Date
8-6-2025
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Bible Exposition (PhD)
Chair
Gerald F. Knoblet
Keywords
Romans, Israel, Identity, Supersessionism, Mystery, 9 through11, TeleoIsrael
Disciplines
Practical Theology | Religion
Recommended Citation
Nowotny, James Matthew, "A TeleoIsrael and the Μυστήριον of Mercy: The Identity of Πᾶς Ἰσραήλ and the Apocalyptic Realignment of God’s Covenant People in Romans 9–11" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7287.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7287
Abstract
This dissertation explores the meaning of Paul's assertion in Romans 11:26 that "all Israel will be saved," situating it within the broader theological and literary context of Romans 9–11. The study addresses the complex question of Israel’s identity in Paul’s writings, arguing that Paul envisions a future eschatological salvation for ethnic Israel that coheres with God’s covenantal promises while incorporating Gentile believers into the redemptive plan through union with Christ. Utilizing exegetical analysis, intertextual engagement with the Old Testament, and investigation of Second Temple Jewish conceptions of Israel, the study proposes a nuanced model termed TeleoIsrael—a theological construct reflecting the goal and fulfillment of Israel’s identity as redefined by the gospel. The dissertation challenges supersessionist readings and contends that Paul’s invocation of the μυστήριον (“mystery”) in Romans 11:25-27 reveals an unfolding divine plan that safeguards both the distinctiveness and eventual restoration of Israel. Through this framework, the study contributes to ongoing debates in Pauline theology regarding continuity, identity, and eschatology.
