Romans 11 13

Romans 11:13 kjv

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

Romans 11:13 nkjv

For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,

Romans 11:13 niv

I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry

Romans 11:13 esv

Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry

Romans 11:13 nlt

I am saying all this especially for you Gentiles. God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles. I stress this,

Romans 11 verses

Romans 11 13 Meaning

Paul declares his primary focus and purpose for ministering to the Gentiles. His specific, divinely appointed role as the apostle to the non-Jewish world is a weighty commission, and he intends to uphold and demonstrate its immense significance. This magnification of his Gentile ministry serves not only to bring Gentiles into salvation but also, crucially, to stir the jealousy and repentance of his fellow Israelites, leading to their restoration to God's favor.

Romans 11 13 Context

Romans 11 is part of Paul's larger argument (Rom 9-11) addressing the relationship between Israel and the Gentile Church within God's redemptive plan. After explaining Israel's partial hardening and rejection (Rom 9-10), Paul demonstrates that God has not completely cast off His people. He uses the analogy of an olive tree (Rom 11:17-24), where some natural branches (Israel) are broken off, and wild branches (Gentiles) are grafted in. This verse immediately follows his assertion that through Israel's transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles, for the express purpose of making Israel jealous (Rom 11:11). Paul's direct address to the Gentiles in verse 13 emphasizes his specific role in this divine strategy: he vigorously pursues his mission to the Gentiles because it is instrumental in God's plan for both Jewish and Gentile salvation.

Romans 11 13 Word analysis

• For (Greek: γάρ, gar): A conjunction connecting this statement to the preceding argument. It indicates that Paul is providing a reason or explanation for the mechanism by which Israel will be provoked to jealousy, particularly through his own ministry to Gentiles.
• I speak to you Gentiles (Greek: ἐφ’ ὅσον μέν οὖν εἰμι ἐθνῶν ἀπόστολος, eph’ hoson men oun eimi ethnōn apostolos - combined with the following phrase, though parsed individually below): A direct address that makes clear his primary audience for this specific portion of his instruction and a slight shift from his preceding discourse mainly about Israel.
• Gentiles (Greek: ἔθνεσιν, ethnesin): Refers to the "nations," "peoples," or non-Jewish peoples. In the Roman context, this distinction was crucial as the early church navigated the relationship between its Jewish origins and its rapidly expanding Gentile membership.
• inasmuch as (Greek: ἐφ’ ὅσον, eph' hoson): Literally "to the extent that" or "as long as." It denotes the condition or basis for his subsequent statement, linking his role as Gentile apostle to his magnifications of that office.
• I am the apostle (Greek: ἐθνῶν ἀπόστολος, ethnōn apostolos):
  • Apostle (Greek: ἀπόστολος, apostolos): Meaning "one sent forth," "a messenger," or "envoy." It signifies an authoritative representative specially commissioned by Christ Himself with foundational authority and the power to proclaim the gospel. Paul received this direct calling.
  • of the Gentiles: This phrase specifies the unique focus of Paul's apostolic commission, highlighting his distinct ministry from apostles like Peter, who ministered primarily to Jews. This distinction was central to early church identity.
• I magnify (Greek: δοξάζω, doxazō): Literally "to glorify," "to honor," "to exalt," or "to make much of." This is not an act of self-exaltation but rather emphasizing the divine importance and profound significance of his God-given ministry. He is elevating its divine origin and purpose in the eyes of others.
• mine office (Greek: τὴν διακονίαν μου, tēn diakonian mou):
  • Office (Greek: διακονίαν, diakonian): Meaning "service," "ministry," or "waiting at table." It underscores the character of Paul's apostolic calling as one of service to others, particularly to God through his mission. The term indicates both the function and the work performed.

Word-group Analysis:

• "For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles": This phrase clarifies Paul's audience and grounds his subsequent statements in his divinely appointed, specific role. It indicates a clear mandate and authority to address non-Jewish believers.
• "I magnify mine office": This phrase reveals Paul's active and zealous dedication to his ministry. He is not merely fulfilling a duty; he is passionately elevating the stature and significance of his apostolic work, which he views as a means to achieve God's ultimate redemptive purposes. His "magnifying" here implies demonstrating its efficacy and crucial role within God's plan.

Romans 11 13 Bonus section

The idea of "provoking to jealousy" is a central theme in Romans 11 and traces its roots to the Old Testament (e.g., Deut 32:21). It is not an act of malice but a divinely ordained psychological response. When Israel sees God's blessings and salvation extended freely to the Gentiles—whom they traditionally viewed as outside the covenant promises—it is intended to awaken within them a desire for that same salvation and a recognition of the Messiah they previously rejected. Paul’s whole Gentile ministry is thus presented as a purposeful instrument for bringing Israel back into the fold, emphasizing that God has not permanently forsaken His people. The "fullness of the Gentiles" coming in (Rom 11:25) is presented as the condition leading to the eventual restoration of "all Israel" (Rom 11:26).

Romans 11 13 Commentary

Romans 11:13 unveils Paul's deliberate strategy in his ministry. He addresses the Gentile believers, asserting his unique apostolic commission specifically to them. Far from minimizing his work among them, he emphatically "magnifies" or "glorifies" his office. This is not for personal renown but for strategic divine purpose. By zealously fulfilling and emphasizing his role as the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul aims to demonstrate God's profound mercy in saving the non-Jewish peoples. This visible display of God's favor upon the Gentiles is intended to provoke jealousy in Israel, leading them to reconsider their rejection of Christ and ultimately return to God. Paul's devoted service to the Gentiles is, therefore, a crucial step in God's broader plan for the salvation of all Israel. This highlights the interconnectedness of God's saving work among both Jews and Gentiles. Every believer should likewise "magnify" their specific calling and ministry within God's kingdom, recognizing its part in His grand design.