23. If those other branches will start having faith, they will be made a part of that tree again. God has the power to put them back.
24. After all, it wasn't natural for branches to be cut from a wild olive tree and to be made part of a cultivated olive tree. So it is much more likely that God will join the natural branches back to the cultivated olive tree.
25. My friends, I don't want you Gentiles to be too proud of yourselves. So I will explain the mystery of what has happened to the people of Israel. Some of them have become stubborn, and they will stay like that until the complete number of you Gentiles has come in.
26. In this way all Israel will be saved, as the Scriptures say,“From Zion someone will cometo rescue us.Then Jacob's descendantswill stop being evil.
27. This is what the Lordhas promised to dowhen he forgives their sins.”
28. The people of Israel are treated as God's enemies, so that the good news can come to you Gentiles. But they are still the chosen ones, and God loves them because of their famous ancestors.
29. God doesn't take back the gifts he has given or forget about the people he has chosen.
30. At one time you Gentiles rejected God. But now Israel has rejected God, and you have been shown mercy.
31. And because of the mercy shown to you, they will also be shown mercy.
32. All people have disobeyed God, and that's why he treats them as prisoners. But he does this, so that he can have mercy on all of them.
33. Who can measure the wealth and wisdom and knowledge of God? Who can understand his decisions or explain what he does?
34. “Has anyone knownthe thoughts of the Lordor given him advice?
35. Has anyone loanedsomething to the Lordthat must be repaid?”
36. Everything comes from the Lord. All things were made because of him and will return to him. Praise the Lord for ever! Amen.