For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
What does Romans 11:36 mean?
The apostle Paul knew the mysteries of the kingdom of God as well as ever any man; yet he confesses himself at a loss; and despairing to find the bottom, he humbly sits down at the brink, and adores the depth.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Romans 11:33-36 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Romans 11:36
Amen. For of him - εξ αυτου ex autou; compare 1 Corinthians 1:30 ; 1 Corinthians 8:6 . This expression doubtless means that he is the original source and fountain of all blessings. He is the Creator of all, the rich "fountain from which all streams of existence take their rise. The design of this verse is to show that no creature has any claim on God. Jews and Gentiles must alike receive salvation on the ground of his mercy. So far from having a claim on God, the apostle here affirms that all things have come from him, and therefore all must be derived to us.
Key words
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For of him, and through him, and to him are all things,.
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For of him, and through him, and to him are all things,.
Context in Romans 11
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Romans 11 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as union with Christ and life in the Spirit. Romans is Paul’s fullest sustained exposition of sin, grace, righteousness, faith, Israel, the Spirit, and transformed life in Christ. Read this chapter with the wider themes of justification, grace, and faith in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Passages on trusting God, receiving Christ, persevering without sight, and the relation between faith and lived obedience.
Key passages on God's unmerited favour, the grace of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and how grace transforms the way believers live.
Passages on the nature of sin, its consequences, God's judgment, repentance, and the way of forgiveness through Christ.