Paul's Olive Tree
oRomans
11:17 (NIV) If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot,
have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from
the olive root, 18 do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You
do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then,
"Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in." 20 Granted. But they were
broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be
afraid. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare
you either. 22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness
to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his
kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. 23 And if they do not persist in unbelief,
they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 After all, if you
were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were
grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the
natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree! 25 I do not want you to be
ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has
experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. 26
And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from
Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.