Sermon Tone Analysis

On this place observe, First, That the apostle here explains some mystery; that is, a secret thing, not known but by revelation, and taken notice of but by few, and happening beyond the expectation and judgment of reason; in fine, the whole method and manner of executing which, lies in a great p 6 measure concealed.

Isaiah prophesied the hardening of Israel.

That blindness is to continue upon them no longer, than till the fulness of the Gentiles be come in; that is, till the Gospel is preached among all nations of the world whatever, which, indeed, began to be done by the apostles and their fellow-labourers; but could not be done perfectly, both on account of the extent of the world and the shortness of human life, and likewise because many nations (as all the American) were at that time unknown.

This, therefore, still remains to be done successively;

GOD; in his admirable providence, paving the way for his word.

The offer of grace was first made to the Israelites.

When they refused, it was sent to the Gentiles; but when the fulness of them shall be brought in, it will be again given to the Israelites, that the last may be first, and the first last.

Luke 13:30; see Luke 21:24.

Peter Martyr has judiciously explained the fulness of the Gentiles, and the whole body of Israel, in the following words: “But we are to understand a limited fulness, and a fixed and determined collection: which is therefore called fulness because there will be an exact and a very p 8 great number of believers, so that the church shall be publicly owned, and had in great esteem among the Gentiles, just as all Israel is to be taken for a great number of Jews, among whom CHRIST should be publicly acknowledged; not that some, as well of the Gentiles as Jews, shall not be lost.”

First, That the apostle here very justly explains Zion and Jacob of the Jews; for, these are the natural sons of Jacob, natives, citizens of Zion; the others are only naturalized: that name, therefore, primarily and of itself agrees to them.