Paul's grief and the promise
Romans 9:1–13FocusIsrael and the promised line
Connection to the wholePaul expresses sorrow for Israel and distinguishes physical descent from the line through which the promise is carried.
interpretation Romans 9:19
KJVThou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
Read it in context
Mercy and God's purpose
Start reading at Romans 9:14 (Romans 9:14 to Romans 9:29).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul answers objections through scriptural examples and the potter image, then speaks of the called from Jews and Gentiles and a remnant of Israel.
- 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
- 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
- 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
- 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
- 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
- 9:19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
- 9:20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
- 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
- 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
- 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
- 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
- 9:25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.
- 9:26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.
- 9:27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
- 9:28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
- 9:29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 9:1–11:36): Paul addresses the Roman believers about Israel and the Gentiles, explicitly speaking to Gentiles in 11:13. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Mercy and God's purpose. Read Romans 9:14 through Romans 9:29 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul answers objections through scriptural examples and the potter image, then speaks of the called from Jews and Gentiles and a remnant of Israel. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes while planning further travel, including a visit to Rome. The letter does not supply a modern calendar date; reconstructions depend on comparing its travel notices with other texts. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The addressees are at Rome. Paul discusses other locations and travel plans, while the letter itself does not directly name the city where he is writing. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Mercy and God's purpose (Romans 9:14 to Romans 9:29). Start reading at Romans 9:14. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter explains the gospel of Jesus Christ, baptism into His death, life in the Spirit, and hope of glory. Promises in Romans 8 address those in Christ and stand with the chapter's stated conditions. See Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Read the argument as a connected appeal to an addressed church. Keep obedience, continuing in God's goodness, and warnings against presumption visible when speaking of grace, inheritance, and assurance. interpretation
Cited: Romans 9:14, Romans 9:29, Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse, and Tertius names himself as the scribe.
Romans 1:1Romans 16:22
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- Thou Rom 3:8 1 Cor 15:12,35 Jas 1:13
- Why doth Rom 3:5-7 Gen 50:20 2 Chr 20:6 Job 9:12-15,19 Job 23:13-14 Ps 76:10 Isa 10:6-7 Isa 46:10-11
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 9
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions. Romans 9–11 develops one extended discussion of Israel, Gentiles, promise, faith, and mercy.
Romans 1:1 Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4 Romans 8:9
FocusThe Creator's freedom and the called people
Connection to the wholePaul answers objections through scriptural examples and the potter image, then speaks of the called from Jews and Gentiles and a remnant of Israel.
interpretation The issue of faith
Romans 9:30–33FocusRighteousness sought in contrasting ways
Connection to the wholeThe chapter's conclusion contrasts Gentile reception with Israel's pursuit and identifies stumbling at Christ, carrying the argument into chapter 10.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4
Opening and theme
Romans 1:1–17FocusThe gospel and faith
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
interpretation The need for righteousness
Romans 1:18–3:20FocusSin and accountability
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
interpretation God’s provision in Christ
Romans 3:21–5:21FocusFaith, grace, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
interpretation Newness of life
Romans 6:1–8:39FocusBaptism, service, and life in the Spirit
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
interpretation FocusPromise, faith, and mercy
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
interpretation Living out God’s mercies
Romans 12:1–15:13FocusService, love, and mutual care
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
interpretation Ministry and closing
Romans 15:14–16:27FocusPlans, greetings, and final exhortation
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.