Israel and the Mercy of God: A Re-reading of Galatians 6.16 and Romans 9–11

Noting the conjunction of 'mercy' and 'Israel' in Galatians 6.16 and Romans 911, this article argues that in both letters 'Israel' denotes the Jews. In Galatians 6.16, with an on-going mission to the Jews in view, Paul invokes peace on those who live according to the new creation, and mercy on unbelieving Israel. In Romans 9-11, he draws on both Scripture and his own experience of mercy to revisit the question of Israel's destiny, discerning therein a providential pattern of a divine call that is interrupted by obduracy under the law, and ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

Duke Scholars

Author Susan Eastman Divinity School