The Deliverer From Zion -- By: Christopher R. Bruno

Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 59:1 (NA 2008)
Article: The Deliverer From Zion
Author: Christopher R. Bruno


The Deliverer From Zion

The Source(s) And Function Of Paul’s Citation In Romans 11:26-27

Christopher R. Bruno

Summary

This article argues that Paul’s Old Testament citation in Romans 11:26-27 includes Isaiah 59:20-21, 27:9, and 2:3. For Paul, Christ’s first advent inaugurates the fulfilment of these Isaianic prophecies; therefore, the salvation of ‘all Israel’ is not an exclusively future reality. The theme of Gentile blessing also accompanies these prophecies. Therefore, Paul expects that Gentile inclusion is part of the fulfilment of the promises to Israel. The implications of this argument are that the majority position of ‘all Israel’ in v. 26 as a reference to the future salvation of ethnic national Israel is untenable and that the emphasis on Gentile inclusion found earlier in Romans continues throughout the epistle.

1. Introduction

Few, if any, passages in the Pauline corpus are either more fascinating or more complex than Romans 9-11. Many pages of commentary have been devoted to these three chapters, but an interpretative consensus has yet to be reached. The climax of this section is found in Romans 11:26-27. Here Paul concludes with a dense summary of his argument supported by a patchwork of OT quotations, asserting that indeed ‘all Israel will be saved’ (καὶ οὕτως πᾶς ᾿Ισραὴλ σωθήσεται).

Although many have laboured over the precise meaning of the phrase ‘all Israel will be saved,’ it is equally crucial to note Paul’s OT support for this statement, for it is here that the background of Paul’s argument finds its fullest expression, and careful consideration of

Paul’s use of the OT can potentially yield valuable insight into his argument here.

We will begin by noting the two primary passages that Paul draws from to support his argument: Isaiah 59:20-21 and 27:9. Underlining indicates portions of the text quoted in Romans 11:26-27.1

Romans 11:26-27

ἥξει ἐκ Σιὼν ὁ ῥυόμενος, ἀποστρέψε�...

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