Paul asks whether Israel’s failure to believe in the gospel of Jesus the Messiah means that Jews have fallen from their state of election (11:11a, reformulating 11:1). In 11:11b–15 he explains why he rejects the conclusion that Israel’s failure is permanent. Two arguments are important. First, Israel’s disobedience has resulted in the salvation of the Gentiles (11:11). In Paul’s ministry, the rejection of the gospel by local Jews often resulted in his turning to Gentiles, among whom a greater number of people believed (cf. Acts 13:45–48; 18:6; 28:24–28). Second, the salvation of the Gentiles is meant to provoke Israel to jealousy (11:11).

Paul explains these two arguments in verses 12–14. First, if Israel’s fall leads to the salvation of the Gentiles, the salvation of Israel cannot be ex…