Framing the passage within the greater context of the letter offers a strong foundation for future interpretations. When looking at Paul’s letters, …show more content…
However, the passage offers interesting interpretations when looking deeper than the surface. Starting with the first section, (Romans 11:17-24), one could argue that Paul is using an olive tree to represent the path to salvation, specifically a tree that was grown from Israelites or Jewish traditions. However, as Paul argues earlier in the letter, requirements for salvation have evolved from these old traditions to the faithful belief in Jesus Christ. Paul continues to state that branches will be broken off from this original olive tree due to their unbelief, while others from wild olive trees could be grafted on because of their faith (Romans 11:20). Specifically, this could represent the addition of Gentiles to the movement of Christ, stating that their faith alone can grant them salvation alongside the faithful Jews and they were not required to grow from the original Jewish