Romans 9:23,24 – Vessels of mercy

…it is that He should also be making known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He makes ready before for glory – us, whom He calls also, not only out of the Jews, but out of the nations also.

Vessels of indignation prepared for destruction (such as Pharaoh; verse 17) do not fulfill an honorable, but a necessary function in GOD’S plan. They serve to demonstrate God’s indignation, strength, and patience. Indispensable, but not a leading role. Pharaoh and his army were extras in Israel’s spectacular deliverance from Egypt. The Israelites were chosen to be “vessels of mercy.” “made ready for glory.”

The reference to “vessels of mercy”, made ready in advance by GOD for glory, brings Paul back to his earlier subject, namely “us whom he also calls”. These are we who are called and predestined according to GOD’S purpose (8:28,29). However, “not only from Jews, but also from nations”. But how is that possible? Were not the Israelites chosen and predestined? Why then are the nations being called now? Doesn’t that contradict the words of the prophets? Paul will answer those questions in what follows.

Delen: