Romans 11:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Romans 11:13, the Apostle Paul articulates the divine mandate and profound significance of his ministry to the Gentiles. This declaration is strategically placed within his broader discourse on God's enduring faithfulness to Israel and the inclusion of non-Jews into the covenant people. Paul emphasizes his unique apostolic commission, not as a point of personal pride, but to underscore the weighty importance and divine origin of his calling, which served as a crucial instrument in God's redemptive plan to bring salvation to the nations and ultimately provoke Israel to jealousy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Romans 9-11, a section where Paul grapples with the complex relationship between God's promises to Israel and their present rejection of Jesus as Messiah. Chapters 9 and 10 establish Israel's historical privilege and their current unbelief. Chapter 11, where this verse resides, shifts to God's future plan for Israel, asserting that their rejection is not final but a temporary partial hardening, providentially used to bring salvation to the Gentiles. Paul's statement in [Romans 11:13](/romans/11-13 "Romans 11:13 - Paul's Ministry to Gentiles") directly follows his assertion that God has not cast away His people ([Romans 11:1](/romans/11-1 "Romans 11:1 - God Has Not Rejected Israel")) and his explanation that Gentile inclusion is meant to provoke Israel to jealousy, leading to their eventual restoration ([Romans 11:11](/romans/11-11 "Romans 11:11 - Gentiles Provoke Israel")). His declaration of his Gentile apostleship thus serves to validate the very mechanism by which God is working out this intricate plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing to the church in Rome, a diverse community likely composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers. Tensions and misunderstandings between these groups were common, particularly regarding the status of the Law, Jewish identity, and the inclusion of Gentiles. Paul, a Jew himself, had been uniquely called by Christ to be an apostle to the Gentiles ([Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Paul's Commission to the Gentiles")). This specific calling was often met with suspicion or opposition from some Jewish Christians who believed the Gospel was primarily for Jews, or that Gentiles needed to become Jewish proselytes. By declaring his office as "the apostle of the Gentiles," Paul asserts his divine authority to speak to the Roman church on these matters, particularly concerning the Gentile's full and equal standing in Christ, and to explain God's broader redemptive strategy that encompasses both Jew and Gentile.
* **Key Themes:** [Romans 11:13](/romans/11-13 "Romans 11:13 - Paul's Apostolic Calling") contributes significantly to several major themes in Romans and Paul's theology. Firstly, it highlights **Paul's Apostolic Calling**, emphasizing his unique and divinely appointed role as the primary evangelist to the non-Jewish world, a commission distinct from that of the Jerusalem apostles who focused on the circumcised ([Galatians 2:7-9](/galatians/2-7-9 "Galatians 2:7-9 - Paul and Peter's Respective Ministries")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Magnifying Ministry**, where Paul elevates the importance of his God-given role, not for personal glory, but because it is central to God's grand design of salvation. His "magnifying" of his office is intrinsically linked to his desire to provoke Israel to jealousy, thereby leading them to salvation ([Romans 11:14](/romans/11-14 "Romans 11:14 - Paul's Hope for Israel's Salvation")). Finally, the verse powerfully affirms **God's Inclusive Plan**, demonstrating His expansive love and desire for all people—Jew and Gentile—to come to salvation, fulfilling ancient prophecies of a worldwide redemption and breaking down the dividing wall between peoples through Christ ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **apostle (Greek, _apóstolos'_):** Derived from `ἀποστέλλω` (apostellō, "to send forth"), an apostle is a delegate, a messenger, or one sent with a specific commission and authority. In the New Testament, it refers particularly to those commissioned by Christ Himself (like the twelve disciples) or, as in Paul's case, directly by the resurrected Christ, with miraculous powers and the authority to establish the church and proclaim the Gospel. Paul's use of this term here emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of his calling to the Gentiles.
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos'_):** Literally meaning "a race" or "a tribe," this term specifically refers to foreign, non-Jewish people. In a religious context, it often implies "pagan" or "heathen" in contrast to Israel, God's chosen people. Paul's identification as the "apostle of the Gentiles" highlights the revolutionary nature of the Gospel, which extends salvation beyond ethnic boundaries to all nations, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")).
* **magnify (Greek, _doxázō'_):** From `δόξα` (doxa, "glory"), this verb means "to render glorious," "to make glorious," or "to honor." When Paul states, "I magnify mine office," he is not boasting in himself or seeking personal exaltation. Rather, he is emphasizing the inherent glory, dignity, and importance of the ministry entrusted to him by God. He is giving honor and weighty significance to his calling, recognizing its divine authority and its crucial role in God's redemptive plan for the world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I speak to you Gentiles,"**: Paul directly addresses his primary audience in the Roman church, which was largely Gentile. This opening phrase establishes the specific focus and authority of his message concerning God's plan for non-Jews, setting the stage for his subsequent declaration of his unique commission.
* **"inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles,"**: Here, Paul explicitly states the basis of his authority and the nature of his ministry. His apostleship is not a self-appointed role but a divine commission specifically directed towards the non-Jewish world. This declaration reinforces the legitimacy of his message to them and clarifies why he, a Jew, is so deeply invested in the spiritual well-being of Gentiles.
* **"I magnify mine office:"**: This climactic statement reveals Paul's attitude toward his calling. He does not diminish his role but elevates its significance. This "magnifying" is not about personal pride but about honoring the God who called him and the glorious purpose of the ministry itself—namely, bringing the Gospel of salvation to the nations, which also serves to provoke his own people, Israel, to jealousy and ultimately to salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise statement. There is clear **Apostolic Authority** in his direct declaration, "I am the apostle of the Gentiles," which serves to establish his credentials and the weight of his words to his audience. This is coupled with **Purposeful Emphasis**, as he uses the phrase "I magnify mine office." This isn't mere self-aggrandizement; rather, it highlights the immense importance of his God-given task, especially in the context of God's intricate plan for Jew and Gentile. The statement also functions as a form of **Ethos** or an appeal to credibility, as Paul leverages his divinely appointed role to lend weight to his theological arguments concerning Israel's temporary hardening and the inclusion of the Gentiles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 11:13 is a powerful testament to the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan, which transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. Paul's divinely appointed mission to the Gentiles underscores the New Covenant reality that salvation is offered to all who believe, regardless of their background. This verse affirms that God's faithfulness extends beyond Israel to encompass all humanity, demonstrating His desire for a multi-ethnic people to worship Him. Furthermore, it highlights the strategic interplay between God's work among the Gentiles and His ultimate plan for Israel's restoration, revealing a complex yet harmonious divine design. Paul's commitment to "magnifying" his office serves as a model for all believers to value and diligently pursue the unique callings and ministries God has entrusted to them within the broader scope of His kingdom.

* [Galatians 2:7-9](/galatians/2-7-9 "Galatians 2:7-9 - Paul's Apostolic Division of Labor")
* [Ephesians 3:8-9](/ephesians/3-8-9 "Ephesians 3:8-9 - The Mystery Revealed to Paul")
* [Acts 22:21](/acts/22-21 "Acts 22:21 - Paul Sent to the Gentiles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's declaration in [Romans 11:13](/romans/11-13 "Romans 11:13 - Paul's Valued Ministry") serves as a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today. It calls us to recognize and embrace the specific, unique callings God has placed on our lives, whether in vocational ministry, family life, or the marketplace. Like Paul, we are to "magnify" our office—not by seeking personal glory, but by valuing the divine origin and eternal significance of our work for God's kingdom. This means performing our tasks with diligence, integrity, and a deep sense of purpose, understanding that even seemingly small acts of faithfulness contribute to God's grand redemptive narrative. It also reminds us of the universal scope of the Gospel, compelling us to share the good news with all people, recognizing that God's heart is for every nation, tribe, and tongue to hear and respond to His saving grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "office" or calling has God entrusted to me, and how can I "magnify" it for His glory?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to diminish or over-emphasize my role, and how can I find a biblical balance?**
* **How does Paul's commitment to his Gentile ministry inspire my own efforts to share the Gospel across cultural or social divides?**

### FAQ

**Why does Paul emphasize his role as "the apostle of the Gentiles" so strongly here?**

Answer: Paul emphasizes his role as "the apostle of the Gentiles" to establish his authority and the divine legitimacy of his message to the largely Gentile church in Rome. In the context of [Romans 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9-11 - God's Plan for Israel and Gentiles"), where he discusses God's intricate plan for both Israel and the Gentiles, his specific calling validates his right to speak on how Gentile inclusion is part of God's redemptive strategy. It also underscores that the salvation of the Gentiles is not an accidental byproduct but a central, divinely ordained component of God's plan, serving even to provoke Israel to jealousy ([Romans 11:11](/romans/11-11 "Romans 11:11 - Gentiles Provoke Israel to Jealousy")).

**What does it mean for Paul to "magnify mine office"? Is he boasting?**

Answer: When Paul says, "I magnify mine office," he is not boasting in himself or seeking personal glory. The Greek word `doxázō` (magnify) means "to glorify" or "to make glorious." Paul is emphasizing the inherent dignity, importance, and divine origin of the ministry entrusted to him by God. He sees his role as an apostle to the Gentiles as a glorious and essential part of God's redemptive work. He is elevating the significance of his calling, recognizing its divine authority and purpose, especially as it relates to bringing the message of Christ to the Gentile world and, through them, provoking Israel to jealousy, ultimately leading to their salvation ([Romans 11:14](/romans/11-14 "Romans 11:14 - Paul's Hope for Israel's Salvation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's declaration in [Romans 11:13](/romans/11-13 "Romans 11:13 - Paul's Christ-Commissioned Ministry") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the promised Messiah not only for Israel but for all nations. Paul's apostleship to the Gentiles is a direct consequence of Christ's Great Commission, where He commanded His followers to "make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). The inclusion of Gentiles, a key aspect of Paul's magnified office, fulfills Old Testament prophecies that foretold the nations coming to worship the God of Israel through the Messiah ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles"); [Psalm 2:8](/psalms/2-8 "Psalm 2:8 - Nations as Inheritance")). Christ Himself broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, making them one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Unites Jew and Gentile")). Therefore, Paul's ministry, "magnified" in its scope to the Gentiles, is not merely about a specific human calling but is a tangible expression of Christ's universal Lordship and His redemptive work that extends salvation to the ends of the earth, demonstrating that in Him, there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.