Apostle to the Gentiles
A Sermon on Romans 11:13-15
Originally preached Dec. 4, 1964
Scripture
13For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 15For if the casting away of them be …
Sermon Description
In this sermon on Romans 11:13–15 titled “Apostle to the Gentiles,” Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones works through the teaching of Paul to the Gentiles. Different interpretations of these controversial words by Paul are examined and the various out-workings of each are addressed. He explains the difference between translation and interpretation. Paul preaches as an apostle to the Gentiles and he emphasizes this office, perhaps with an ultimate and ulterior motive for the salvation of the Jews. Dr. Lloyd-Jones addresses these questions along with the false notions that surround both the Jew and the Gentile. Evangelism, teaching, and warning are all essential to Paul’s word to these people and for today’s believers. Is the gospel different for Jew and Gentile? Listeners are encouraged to be diligent in study and see the full blessing that God has offered through Christ, embracing the word of God and the hope of the gospel that is now available for every human, no matter the race, gender, or ethnicity. Salvation has been purchased through the blood of Christ for the purification of more than just the Jews.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul is now addressing the Gentiles specifically. He wants to explain to them why he has been giving so much attention to the Jews.
- He is doing this because he is preeminently the apostle to the Gentiles. This is a personal statement about himself and his ministry.
- He magnifies his office as the apostle to the Gentiles. He is proud of this role and wants them to understand its importance.
- He magnifies his office by evangelizing the Gentiles, explaining God's purpose to them, warning them against error, and showing them how the Jews will ultimately bless them.
- He is instructing the Gentiles so they have a complete understanding, which is part of magnifying his office.
- He warns them against getting an inflated view of themselves and a false notion of the Jews. This is also part of magnifying his office.
- Magnifying one's office means having an all-round ministry of evangelism, teaching, warning, and reprimanding. Paul is doing all of this.
- Paul wants the Gentiles to understand why he has focused so much on the Jews. It is very relevant to them, and if they don't grasp it, they will miss out on blessing and be in danger.
- Paul is not neglecting the Gentiles by teaching them about the Jews. He is fulfilling his commission to preach to the Gentiles and present them perfect before God.
The Book of Romans
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.