Contradiction with John 15:5
This verse emphasizes that branches must abide in the vine to bear fruit, whereas Romans 11:17 indicates that branches can be grafted in even after breaking off.
John 15:5: I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [without me: or, severed from me]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 11:16
This verse describes God breaking off the branches of the olive tree due to wickedness, contrasting with Romans 11:17 where broken branches can be grafted back in.
Jeremiah 11:16: The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, [and] of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.
Contradiction with Matthew 8:12
This verse states that the children of the kingdom shall be cast out, contradicting Romans 11:17's idea of being grafted back in.
Matthew 8:12: But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Contradiction with Isaiah 5:5
It talks about removing the hedge and breaking down the wall leading to neglect of the vineyard, contrasting with the nurturing represented in Romans 11:17.
Isaiah 5:5: And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; [and] break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: [trodden...: Heb. for a treading]
Paradox #1
Romans 11:17 might seem to contradict earlier biblical ideas by suggesting that people from outside Israel can be part of God’s blessings. This challenges the notion that only Israelites are God’s chosen people, creating tension with earlier ideas about exclusivity of God’s promises.