20. That is true. But those branches were broken off because they did not believe. And you continue to be part of the tree only because you believe. Do not be proud, but be afraid.
21. If God did not let the natural branches of that tree stay, then he will not let you stay if you don’t believe.
22. So you see that God is kind, but he can also be very strict. God punishes those who stop following him. But God is kind to you, if you continue following in his kindness. If you do not continue following him, you will be cut off from the tree.
23. And if the Jews will believe in God again, then God will accept the Jews back again. God is able to put them back where they were.
24. It is not natural for a wild branch to be part of a good tree. But you non-Jews are like a branch cut from a wild olive tree. And you were joined to a good olive tree. But those Jews are like a branch that grew from the good tree. So surely they can be joined to their own tree again.
25. I want you to understand this secret truth, brothers. This truth will help you understand that you do not know everything. The truth is this: Part of Israel has been made stubborn. But that will change when many non-Jews have come to God.
26. And that is how all Israel will be saved. It is written in the Scriptures:“The Savior will come from Jerusalem;he will take away all evil from the family of Jacob.
27. And I will make this agreement with those peoplewhen I take away their sins.” Isaiah 59:20-21; 27:9
28. The Jews refuse to accept the Good News, so they are God’s enemies. This has happened to help you non-Jews. But the Jews are still God’s chosen people, and God loves them very much. He loves them because of the promises he made to their ancestors.
29. God never changes his mind about the people he calls and the things he gives them.
30. At one time you refused to obey God. But now you have received mercy, because those people refused to obey.
31. And now the Jews refuse to obey, because God showed mercy to you. But this happened so that they also can receive mercy from God.
32. All people have refused to obey God. God has given them all over to their stubborn ways, so that God can show mercy to all.
33. Yes, God’s riches are very great! God’s wisdom and knowledge have no end! No one can explain the things God decides. No one can understand God’s ways.
34. As the Scripture says,“Who has known the mind of the Lord?Who has been able to give the Lord advice?” Isaiah 40:13