forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved; to fill up their sins always. But wrath has come on them to the uttermost.
to the uttermost: This statement belies much of what is said today about the restoration of the nation of Israel. Modern "prophets" continue to assert that the Jews as a people have some future role in God’s plan. To the contrary, Paul uses strong and pessimistic language to assert the rejection of Israel as a nation. Having so long rejected Him, the Jews now find themselves rejected. This is not to say that an individual Jew cannot be saved. Indeed Paul himself affirms, "And so all Israel shall be saved" (Romans 11:26). The context shows that any Jew can be saved just like any Gentile. Obedience to the gospel can bring salvation to both. However, as a nation Israel has been rejected, cut off, never again to play any role in the divine economy.