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Romans Commentary Chapters 9-16  /  Romans 9:10-13 the Two Nations from Jacob and Esau Part One  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 8
Several early Christian writers are quoted saying Jacob/Esau prefigure “two peoples”—the Jews as the elder and the church/Israel of God as the younger that “supplanted” the older; how should Christians today talk about Israel, the church, and Jewish unbelief in a way that takes Romans 9 seriously without slipping into arrogance or contempt?
Another way to ask: If Jacob and Esau point to two groups (Jews and the church), how should Christians talk about Israel, the church, and Jewish unbelief in a way that fits Romans 9? How can we do that without becoming proud or hateful?

Direct Answer Based on the transcript, Christians should speak in terms of “fleshly Israel” and the “Israel of God” (believing Jews and Gentiles), recognizing a real shift of blessing to those who receive Christ, while remembering Paul’s point is about God’s freedom and justice—not about boasting. The lesson itself strongly describes Jewish rejection, so the main restraint implied is to keep the focus on God’s call and character rather than contempt for ethnic Jews.

Support from Transcript:

  • Bercot says Jacob/Esau “prefigure two peoples… fleshly Israel and spiritual Israel, the Israel of God.”
  • Fleshly Israel is “the older… over 1,500 years before Jesus,” represented by Esau.
  • Jacob represents “the Israel of God, comprised of both believing Jews and Gentiles.”
  • He states “the new Israel of God… has supplanted the older brother, fleshly Israel,” and “God’s blessing is on the Israel of God, made up primarily of Gentiles.”
  • Irenaeus’ parallel: the elder nation rejected Christ, saying, “We have no king but Caesar,” while the younger received Him.
  • Bercot notes ongoing conflict: “the church suffers this persecution from the Jews” (an early Christian interpretation he reports).
Discussion Follow-ups How can we affirm the transcript’s strong claims about Christ and God’s people while avoiding a tone of superiority? What language helps keep the focus on faith in Christ rather than ethnicity?

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