Study Desk

For I bear them witness that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

But the righteousness of faith speaks thus: Do not say in thine heart, Who shall ascend to the heavens? that is, to bring Christ down;

But what says it? The word is near thee, in thy mouth and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach:

But they have not all obeyed the glad tidings. For Esaias says, Lord, who has believed our report?

So faith then [is] by a report, but the report by God's word.

But I say, Have they not heard? Yea, surely, Their voice has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the extremities of the habitable world.

But I say, Has not Israel known? First, Moses says, *I* will provoke you to jealousy through [them that are] not a nation: through a nation without understanding I will anger you.

But Esaias is very bold, and says, I have been found by those not seeking me; I have become manifest to those not inquiring after me.

But unto Israel he says, All the day long I have stretched out my hands unto a people disobeying and opposing.

But what says the divine answer to him? I have left to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed knee to Baal.

But if by grace, no longer of works: since [otherwise] grace is no more grace.

What [is it] then? What Israel seeks for, that he has not obtained; but the election has obtained, and the rest have been blinded,

I say then, Have they stumbled in order that they might fall? Far be the thought: but by their fall [there is] salvation to the nations to provoke them to jealousy.

But if their fall [be the] world's wealth, and their loss [the] wealth of [the] nations, how much rather their fulness?

For if their casting away [be the] world's reconciliation, what [their] reception but life from among [the] dead?

boast not against the branches; but if thou boast, [it is] not *thou* bearest the root, but the root thee.

Right: they have been broken out through unbelief, and *thou* standest through faith. Be not high-minded, but fear:

As regards the glad tidings, [they are] enemies on your account; but as regards election, beloved on account of the fathers.

For as indeed *ye* [also] once have not believed in God, but now have been objects of mercy through the unbelief of *these*;

And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of [your] mind, that ye may prove what [is] the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.