Legal Midrash Uncovers a Mystery

Paul presents the conclusion of his midrash as a premise that needs to be proven. “They are not all Israel who are from Israel” (Rom 9:6). Paul is continuing to address Jewish believers in Rome who are teaching their Christian brethren that circumcision and knowledge of the Law are required to participate in the household of God. The Gentile believers in Rome would have been listening, and so are we.