So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace
(Romans 11:5). The readers of the letter knew very well that there are a number of Paul’s kinsmen in their midst (see Romans 16:1–16). This minority is representative of God’s faithfulness. He has not cast out his people. He ensures that in the midst of an overwhelming wave of unbelief there nonetheless remains a current of faith. What is more, it is not the unbelief that is strange, but rather the remnant that constitutes a miracle! This is apparent from the history of the apostles. Initially they did not accept the gospel of suffering at all until Christ opened their hearts to it after Easter. It is also apparent from the growth of the church in Jerusalem. Almost all its members were people who did not give themselves over to Jesus when he was on earth. Finally, it is especially apparent in the life of Paul himself. He was the fiercest persecutor of the Christian church. If God had not called and changed him, he would not be a Christian now. The faithful Jewish people are indeed more than a remnant, they are a creation—a creation which testifies to God’s favour.
After all, why did God not reject the whole people outright and begin anew with the Romans or the Persians? He certainly had sufficient cause to do so. Yet on the cross Jesus himself prayed that God would forgive his persecutors. The apostle Stephen, the first martyr, did the same. God’s choice of Israel therefore remains active in spite of their unbelief, which is countered by his promise.
Yet Israel's possession of the law is not determinative, but rather the grace of Christ is: But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace
(Romans 11:6). Paul does not owe his calling to believe in Christ to his punctilious observance of the law, regardless of how good that may have been. When, in ignorance, he persecuted the Messiah and his church on the basis of his faithful observance of the law, it was only grace that could still save his life. He would experience that grace in Damascus.1
5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.