1. A remnant chosen by grace (1-6)

Paul asked his readers the question, "Did God reject his people?" Some people might think God rejected the Jews because they had rejected God, and God had turned to the Gentiles. But Paul answers emphatically, "By no means!" Paul himself was a Jew, from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest of the 12 tribes. In the time of Elijah, many of the Lord's prophets had been killed. It seemed God had rejected his people at that time. But the Lord told Elijah that he had kept a holy remnant to Himself. The same was true in Paul's time. There was a remnant chosen by the grace of God.

2. ...to make Israel envious. (7-12)

Because of Israel's stubborn refusal to believe, they did not obtain the salvation that God had brought to the Gentiles. Paul quoted Scripture to show that God held Israel in condemnation for their rejection of Him. God gave them a spirit of stupor. He made them blind and deaf to Him. But thanks be to God! They did not stumble beyond any hope of recovery. Rather, God brought salvation to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous that they might repent and one day come back to God. This will bring much be a joyous and glorious event! (12)