Just as you who formerly disobeyed God have now received mercy through their disobedience,
The apostle proposes here a plausible objection, which might be urged against the divine conduct in casting off the Jewish nation (Rom 11:1): "Hath God cast away his people? Is the rejection total and final? Are they all abandoned to wrath and ruin, and that eternal?
Commenting on Romans 11:1-32
For as ye in times past have not believed God,.... The times referred to, are the times of ignorance, idolatry, and superstition; when God suffered the Gentiles, for many hundreds of years, to walk in their own ways; while the Jews were his favourite people, were chosen by him above all people, separated from them, and distinguished by his goodness; had his word and oracles...
Verse 30. For as ye. You who were Gentiles. In times past. Before the gospel was preached. This refers to the former idolatrous and sinful state of the heathen world. Comp. . Have not believed God. Or have not obeyed God. This was the character of all the heathen nations. Yet have now obtained mercy. Have been pardoned and admitted to the favour of God. Through their unbelief.