Skip to content

Add your phone number?

Optional. Nothing is sent unless you choose it.
The Historic Faith
Sign in

Jumpstarter 7 of 10

Ideas to help restart your discussion
Romans Commentary Chapters 9-16  /  Romans 15:8-14 Prophecies About the Gentiles  /  Discussion Questions
All Questions
Question 7
Origen notes Paul quotes the Septuagint, and Isaiah 11:10 in the Septuagint says the root of Jesse will “reign over the Gentiles” and they will “trust” in Him; how does “reign” and “trust” sharpen the claim Jesus makes on Gentile believers compared to merely “seeking,” and where does modern evangelical language potentially soften that claim?
Another way to ask: In the Septuagint, Isaiah says the root of Jesse will “reign over” the Gentiles and they will “trust” in Him. How is that stronger than just “seeking” Jesus, and where might modern evangelical talk make Jesus’ claim sound weaker?

Direct Answer In the transcript, “reign” and “trust” make Gentile response more definite than “seeking”: Christ is not only an object of interest but a ruler over them, and they are called to place trust in Him, not merely search. This could challenge modern language that stresses curiosity, exploration, or a one-time decision without the sense of submitting to Christ’s rule.

Support from Transcript:

  • Origen observes Paul quotes the Septuagint rather than the Masoretic text; this is said to be Paul’s “normal practice.”
  • Bercot highlights the Masoretic reading: Gentiles “shall seek him,” which is still “a marvelous prophecy.”
  • But the Septuagint “goes on to say that the root of Jesse will rise to reign over the Gentiles.”
  • It also changes the response: not merely seek, but “they will put their trust in Him.”
  • The lesson frames Gentile inclusion as part of one united people under Christ, consistent with the “one flock with one shepherd” theme.
Discussion Follow-ups When Christians invite people to “seek” Jesus, do we also make clear His right to “reign”? What would change in preaching if “trust” implied ongoing allegiance rather than momentary interest?

Jumpstarter 7 of 10
Back Questions Next