Big Idea: Paul merges two grand themes: mystery and mercy. The mystery of God is that the end-time conversion of the Gentiles will occur before the restoration of Israel, the reverse order of the Old Testament prophecies. God’s mystery involves his showing mercy to both Gentiles and Jews in these last days.

Understanding the Text

Romans 11:25–32 is the grand conclusion to chapters 9–11, showing that God has not cast off Israel, all the while showing mercy to the nations. Romans 11:25–32 divides into two interrelated themes:

1. The Mystery of God (11:25–27)

a. Definition of the mystery (11:25a)

b. Delineation of the mystery (11:25b–26a)

i. Hardening of Israel

ii. Fullness of Gentiles

iii. Restoration of Israel

c. Date of the mystery (11:26b–27)

2. The Mercy of God (11:28–32)

a. P…