Romans 11:20

καλῶς : “a form of partial and often ironical assent” (Gifford). Paul does not think it worth while to dispute the assertion of Romans 11:19, though as it stands it is by no means indisputable; he prefers to point out what it overlooks the moral conditions of being broken off and of standing secure and to urge them on the conscience. τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ : an account of unbelief, cf. Galatians 6:12, Winer, p. 270. τῇ πίστει ἕστκας : the security of the Gentiles depended on faith, and it is the most elementary principle of a religion of faith (Romans 3:27) that it excludes boasting. μὴ ὑψηλὰ φρόνει : cf. Romans 12:16; 1 Timothy 6:17 has μὴ ὑψηλοφρονεῖν. Neither is classical. φοβοῦ : consistent with πίστις. Timor opponitur non fiduciæ sed supercilio et securitati (Bengel).