Romans 11 · a question people ask
Who is the you in the picture of the olive tree?
The letter says to whom it is speaking: "For I speak to you who are Gentiles." (11:13). In the picture of the olive tree it speaks to a you it calls "a wild olive" (11:17): "don’t boast over the branches" (11:18). It puts words in that hearer's mouth, "You will say then, “Branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.”" (11:19), and answers them (11:20). The verses name that you no further, and these notes identify it with no people, church or person today.
The verses
“For I speak to you who are Gentiles. Since then as I am an apostle to Gentiles, I glorify my ministry,”
“But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the root and of the richness of the olive tree, don’t boast over the branches. But if you boast, remember that it is not you who support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.” True; by their unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by your faith. Don’t be conceited, but fear;”