Romans 15:9
and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that for the Jewish believers, God's faithfulness to His promises was key, but for Gentiles, their inclusion was an act of pure, unearned mercy. The quote from Psalm 18 reveals that this isn't just a new idea, but God's ancient plan, showing the Gentiles have a right to praise Him for His mercy specifically, a concept previously less defined for them compared to the Jews' covenant.
Paul is building a case for unity between Jewish and Gentile believers by showing that God's plan, revealed in the Old Testament, always intended to include the Gentiles. He's already quoted scripture to show Christ came to confirm God's promises to Israel, and now he quotes Psalm 18 to prove God's mercy was meant for the Gentiles too. This highlights that inclusion of Gentiles isn't a new idea, but a fulfillment of ancient promises, making their unity in Christ both necessary and divinely ordained.
Understand the original words
ethnos · Greek Noun
Refers to all nations and peoples other than the Jewish people; in the New Testament, it signifies those who were formerly outside the covenant of Israel but have been brought into the family of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
eleos · Greek Noun
The compassion, kindness, or goodwill shown by God to those who are in misery or in need of salvation, despite their lack of merit. It is a central attribute of God that moves Him to act for the deliverance of His people.
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This verse highlights a crucial shift in God's plan, moving from a focus on Israel to the inclusive embrace of Gentiles, a concept rooted in ancient prophecies but dramatically unfolding in the 1st century AD through the ministry of Jesus and the apostles like Paul.
c. 1000 BC
David's Reign and Psalm 18
King David, facing numerous enemies, composes Psalm 18 (also found in 2 Samuel 22) to praise God for deliverance, including a declaration of praising God among the Gentiles.
c. 7th Century BC
Prophets Foretell Gentile Inclusion
Prophets like Isaiah (e.g., Isaiah 11:10) speak of a future Messiah who will be a sign to the nations and in whom Gentiles will hope.
c. 5th Century BC
Exile and Dispersion
The Jewish exile and subsequent dispersion mean that Jewish people and their scriptures are spread throughout the gentile world, creating more interaction and potential for understanding.
c. 1st Century AD
Jesus' Ministry and the Early Church
Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies, and the early church, though initially Jewish, begins to actively include Gentiles, causing debate and requiring theological explanation.
c. AD 50-60— this verse
Paul's Ministry to Gentiles
The Apostle Paul's extensive missionary journeys focus on bringing the Gospel message to Gentile communities, establishing churches throughout the Roman Empire.
This psalm is a direct call for all nations to praise God, echoing Paul's point that God's mercy extends to the Gentiles so they too can glorify Him.
Isaiah 11:10This prophecy speaks of the Messiah arising as a banner for the nations, in whom Gentiles will hope, directly supporting the idea of their inclusion in God's plan of salvation and praise.
Deuteronomy 32:43This passage from Moses' song calls for the nations (Gentiles) to rejoice with God's people, highlighting an ancient prophetic vision of Gentile inclusion and shared praise.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's realization that God shows no favoritism and accepts anyone who fears Him and does what is right, regardless of their background, demonstrates the practical outworking of God's mercy to the Gentiles.
ellicottRomans 15:9: "And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name."
(9) For his mercy. —On account of His mercy. The Jews had their covenant to appeal to, and the attributes of God most clearly brought home to them in Christianity was His veracity in fulfilling the promises contained in this covenant. The Gentiles had no such covenant, and their admission to the blessings of Christianity was an…
jfbRomans 15:9: "And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name."
- that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy—A number of quotations from the Old Testament here follow, to show that God's plan of mercy embraced, from the first, the Gentiles along with the Jews.as it is written—(Ps 18:49).I will confess to—that is, glorifythee among the Gentiles.
This verse highlights that for the Jewish believers, God's faithfulness to His promises was key, but for Gentiles, their inclusion was an act of pure, unearned mercy. The quote from Psalm 18 reveals that this isn't just a new idea, but God's ancient plan, showing the Gentiles have a right to praise Him for His mercy specifically, a concept previously less defined for them compared to the Jews' covenant.
Paul is building a case for unity between Jewish and Gentile believers by showing that God's plan, revealed in the Old Testament, always intended to include the Gentiles. He's already quoted scripture to show Christ came to confirm God's promises to Israel, and now he quotes Psalm 18 to prove God's mercy was meant for the Gentiles too. This highlights that inclusion of Gentiles isn't a new idea, but a fulfillment of ancient promises, making their unity in Christ both necessary and divinely ordained.
Paul is building a case for unity between Jewish and Gentile believers by showing that God's plan, revealed in the Old Testament, always intended to include the Gentiles. He's already quoted scripture to show Christ came to confirm God's promises to Israel, and now he quotes Psalm 18 to prove God's mercy was meant for the Gentiles too. This highlights that inclusion of Gentiles isn't a new idea, but a fulfillment of ancient promises, making their unity in Christ both necessary and divinely ordained.
"and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
and sing to your name.”" — This verse highlights that for the Jewish believers, God's faithfulness to His promises was key, but for Gentiles, their inclusion was an act of pure, unearned mercy. The quote from Psalm 18 reveals…
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