Romans 11:13

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

For {G1063} I speak {G3004} to you {G5213} Gentiles {G1484}, inasmuch as {G1909}{G3745}{G3303} I {G1473} am {G1510} the apostle {G652} of the Gentiles {G1484}, I magnify {G1392} mine {G3450} office {G1248}:

However, to those of you who are Gentiles I say this: since I myself am an emissary sent to the Gentiles, I make known the importance of my work

I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry

But I speak to you that are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I glorify my ministry;

Commentary

Romans 11:13 is a pivotal statement by the Apostle Paul, underscoring his unique commission within God's redemptive plan for humanity.

Context

This verse falls within Romans chapters 9-11, where Paul delves into the profound mystery of God's enduring faithfulness to Israel, despite their temporary rejection of the Messiah. He explains how God has used Israel's stumble to bring salvation to the Gentiles, and how this Gentile inclusion will, in turn, ultimately lead to Israel's restoration. Paul is speaking directly to the largely Gentile church in Rome, addressing potential pride or misunderstanding regarding their new status in Christ. His declaration here serves to validate his message and his authority in teaching them about God's intricate plan for both Jew and Gentile, emphasizing his specific calling to the non-Jewish world.

Key Themes

  • Paul's Apostolic Calling: Paul explicitly states his identity as "the apostle of the Gentiles." This was a specific, divine appointment, distinguishing his ministry from that of apostles like Peter, who primarily focused on the Jews (Galatians 2:7-9). His ministry to non-Jews was central to the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the early church.
  • Magnifying Ministry: When Paul says, "I magnify mine office," he is not boasting in himself but emphasizing the immense importance and divine origin of his ministry. The Greek word for "magnify" (doxazล) implies glorifying or giving honor to. He elevates the significance of his God-given role, not for personal gain, but because it is instrumental in God's grand design of salvation, particularly for the Gentiles, which also serves to provoke Israel to jealousy (Romans 11:11).
  • God's Inclusive Plan: This verse highlights God's expansive love and desire for all people to come to salvation, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. Paul's ministry to the Gentiles is a testament to this breaking down of the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, fulfilling prophecies of a worldwide redemption.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I magnify mine office" comes from the Greek word ฮดฮฟฮพฮฌฮถฯ‰ (doxazล), which literally means "to glorify" or "to make glorious." It conveys the idea of honoring and giving weighty significance to his apostolic calling. Paul saw his role, despite its hardships, as a glorious and essential part of God's redemptive work, particularly in bringing the message of Christ to the Gentile world. This wasn't about self-exaltation, but about upholding the dignity and importance of the ministry entrusted to him by God, recognizing its divine authority and purpose.

Practical Application

Romans 11:13 encourages believers today to embrace and give honor to the unique calling or ministry God has given them. Whether in formal church leadership, vocational work, or daily interactions, every Christian has a sphere of influence and a purpose within God's kingdom. Like Paul, we are called to view our roles, however humble or prominent, as significant and worthy of our best efforts, because they are part of God's greater plan. It also reminds us of the ongoing importance of sharing the Gospel with all people, regardless of their background, as God's heart is for the salvation of all nations, a theme beautifully articulated in the Great Commission.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 9:15

    But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

  • 2 Timothy 1:11

    Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

  • 2 Timothy 1:12

    For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

  • Galatians 2:7

    But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as [the gospel] of the circumcision [was] unto Peter;

  • Galatians 2:9

    And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

  • Ephesians 3:8

    Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

  • Romans 15:16

    That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
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