Paul wanted at least some of the Jews to see the blessing that the Gentiles were receiving, and so turn to Christ themselves. Again Paul tells them how wonderful things will be when the Jews eventually turn to Christ. The term "resurrection of the dead" could be a reference to the end times, or just an expression of the joy there will be when Israel returns.
Verse 16 spells out an important theological point. The first fruits and the roots refer to Israel. We are the rest, and we will only be complete when Israel has turned to Christ. This leads Paul into warning the Gentiles not to be proud, we must not adopt a superior attitude towards Israel, considering ourselves in some way better than them. The workings of God with man began with the nation of Israel, then they spread to the rest of the world. Israel was rejected for a time because of unbelief, the same could happen to us. It is so easy for us to become complacent.
If we continue in faith, we will continue in God's kindness. If we become unbelieving then we will not. Conversely, as soon as Israel does believe she will receive all the benefits of God's kindness.
The key lessons of all of this are:
- Do not be proud or arrogant
- Israel's salvation is an essential part of all of us being complete
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