Romans 11:20 – “Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble.”

Extended Explanation

Paul is continuing his illustration of the olive tree, which represents God’s people. Some of the natural branches (Jewish people who rejected Jesus) were broken off, and wild branches (Gentile believers) were grafted in.

In this verse, Paul confirms what some Gentiles might have been thinking: Yes, some Jewish people were removed from God’s tree. However, the reason was unbelief, not because Gentiles were better or more worthy.

Then Paul makes an important point: Gentile believers are only standing in faith because of God’s grace. They didn’t earn their place in God’s family—it was given to them through faith. That’s why Paul warns them: “Do not be arrogant, but tremble.” Instead of boasting or feeling superior, they should have a deep respect for God’s mercy and recognize that they, too, must continue in faith.

The warning is clear: Just as unbelief caused some branches to be broken off, the same could happen to those who fall away from faith. This doesn’t mean losing salvation, but it does mean that faith must be real, ongoing, and humble before God.

Historical Context

In the first century, the Christian church was experiencing a major shift. Christianity had started among the Jews, but as time went on, more and more Gentiles were coming to faith in Jesus. Meanwhile, many Jewish people rejected Jesus as the Messiah, causing division in the church.

Some Gentiles may have begun to look down on the Jews, thinking that they had replaced them in God’s plan. Paul is warning against this attitude. God had not abandoned Israel. Some were broken off, but the tree itself (God’s promises and plan) remained. And if Gentiles were now part of this tree, it was only by God’s grace—not because they were better than the Jews.

This verse also echoes a pattern seen in the Old Testament: Whenever Israel turned away from God in unbelief, they faced consequences. Paul is reminding the Gentiles that faith—not nationality or background—is what keeps someone connected to God’s blessings.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key truths:

1. Faith is what matters to God. Paul makes it clear that the reason some Jewish people were cut off from God’s tree was unbelief. In contrast, Gentiles were grafted in because of faith.
2. Salvation is by grace, not superiority. Gentiles did not take Israel’s place because they were better or more deserving. They were included only because of God’s kindness.
3. Pride in faith is dangerous. Paul warns against arrogance. If someone starts thinking they deserve salvation more than others, they are heading toward spiritual trouble.
4. Faith is not a one-time event. True faith continues and perseveres. Just as unbelief led to Israel being cut off, Paul suggests that those who fall away from faith should not expect to remain in God’s blessings.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s writing in this verse is straightforward but strong. The contrast between “broken off because of unbelief” and “stand by faith” emphasizes that faith is the key factor in salvation.

The command “Do not be arrogant, but tremble” uses powerful language. “Tremble” does not mean to be scared of God but to have a deep, humble reverence for Him. This is a reminder that salvation is serious, and believers should never take God’s grace for granted.

This verse also follows a pattern in Paul’s teaching: He first presents a truth (why the branches were removed), then gives a correction (don’t be arrogant), and finally offers a warning (instead, be humble).

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 3:27 – “Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith.” (Faith, not works, is what matters.)
• Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Salvation is by grace, not human effort.)
• Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (A warning against arrogance.)
• John 15:6 – Jesus says, “If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers.” (A similar picture of being cut off due to unbelief.)
• 1 Corinthians 10:12 – “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (A direct warning about spiritual pride.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that faith should lead to humility, not pride. No one deserves salvation—it is a gift. Christians should never think of themselves as superior to others, whether to non-believers or even fellow believers who struggle in their faith.

It is also a call to stay faithful. True faith is not just about praying a prayer once—it is about continuing to trust, follow, and obey God throughout life.

Additionally, this verse challenges believers to view Israel correctly. Many Jewish people rejected Jesus, but that does not mean that God has abandoned them. Christians should pray for and love the Jewish people, knowing that God still has a plan for them (Romans 11:25-26).

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is just and merciful. He desires all people—Jew and Gentile—to come to Him in faith. He did not cut off Israel out of hatred, but because of unbelief. His love is still available to them if they return to Him.

At the same time, God’s love is gracious. Gentiles had no right to be part of God’s people, yet He welcomed them in through faith. This shows that His love is open to all who believe in Him.

God’s love is also patient. Paul’s warnings are not about immediate judgment, but about encouraging people to remain faithful. He wants everyone to stay connected to Him and experience His blessings.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the reason both Jews and Gentiles can be saved.

• John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Salvation is through faith in Jesus alone.)
• Romans 10:12-13 – “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.” (Jesus is for all people.)
• John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Jesus is the true source of life for all believers.)
• Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Paul’s entire discussion about the olive tree points back to Jesus as the foundation of salvation. Faith in Him is what keeps someone connected to God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does this verse teach about faith and salvation?
2. Why do you think Paul warns against arrogance in faith?
3. How can Christians today guard against spiritual pride?
4. How does this passage shape the way you view Jewish people and God’s plan for Israel?
5. What does it mean for you personally to “stand by faith”?

Paul’s message in Romans 11:20 is clear: Salvation is by faith, not superiority. Believers should remain humble, grateful, and faithful, knowing that they stand in God’s grace—not because of their own goodness, but because of His love.