The Apostle Peter expressed a general principle when he said: “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons; but in every nation he that fears him and works righteousness is accepted of him.” (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11) God’s blessings began with the Jew probably because Abraham feared and obeyed God. God’s decisions about whom He will honor will be proven to be the wisest and most loving. Romans 9:21, “Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?” (NIV)  So whether God favors one people over another is something we may not question. 

The natural seed of Abraham had been selected as the line through which divine blessings were to be carried eventually to all the families of the earth (Genesis 12:2, 3). For a time God recognized only Israel, a typical people covenanted to him. He left others unrecognized, treating them as strangers and aliens. After Jesus’ sacrifice was finished, he opened up “…a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through … his flesh,” Hebrews 10:20. This new way to receive forgiveness of sins and to follow Jesus’ example of self-denial opened a door of favor to those with ears to hear. (Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 14:2; 1 Corinthians 10:11; Matthew 11:15)  The difference in God's estimation between Jew and Gentile, has now ceased. (Ephesians 2:11-15) 

What advantage then had the Jew?  He had the first opportunity to hear of and respond to the Gospel high calling. (Romans 1:16; 2:10; 3:1, 2; Philippians 3:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:11, 12; 2 Timothy 1:9, 10)  Had they been in the right heart condition, they would have been allowed to remain branches in the olive tree, Abraham's spiritual seed. (Galatians 3:29)  They were not ready and were broken off. 

Israel's rejection from divine favor is not perpetual. Zechariah 12:10 teaches the Jewish nation will soon accept Christ. “…and they shall look uno me, whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son…” In that day, God “…will make a new covenant with the house of Israel…I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people…for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more,” Jeremiah 31:31-34. Any gift and promise which God makes is sure of fulfillment.  (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Romans 11:1, 5, 7, 8, 11, 17-29; Isaiah 55:11; Hebrews 6:18)