Romans 15:9-11
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.” And again it says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that for Gentiles, their inclusion in God's plan is primarily an act of pure mercy, not tied to prior promises like Israel's covenant. This admission into God's favor means they, too, have a unique right and reason to glorify God for His unfathomable mercy towards them.
Paul is building a powerful case to persuade Jewish believers to fully embrace their Gentile brothers and sisters in Christ. He's shown Christ fulfilled the promises made to Israel, and now he's demonstrating from the Old Testament that God's plan always included the Gentiles. This verse, quoting Psalm 18, serves as an Old Testament prophecy pointing to Gentiles glorifying God, not for fulfilling a specific promise as the Jews did, but for His abundant mercy extended to them.
Why does the Bible emphasize 'mercy' for Gentiles, while Jews had promises? What does this distinction teach us about God's grace?
Paul highlights a key difference in how Jews and Gentiles come to God: the Jews had a history of covenant promises, a basis for God's faithfulness to them. The Gentiles, on the other hand, had no such prior claim. Their inclusion in God's people was purely an act of divine mercy.
This doesn't mean Gentiles are 'lesser,' but that their salvation showcases God's expansive grace. It's a powerful reminder that no one earns their way to God; all come through His undeserved kindness, whether they have a long religious history or none at all.
The Old Testament prophecy speaks of someone confessing God 'among the Gentiles.' How can this be Jesus, and what does it mean for us?
Paul quotes Psalm 18:49, 'Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing to your name.' He applies this to Jesus Christ.
Think of it this way: Jesus, as the Messiah, is the ultimate representative of humanity before God. When He praises God among the Gentiles, it signifies that He is not only the one who brings salvation to them but also the one who enables them to praise God. He embodies their praise and presents it to the Father. In Him, the Gentiles can truly and acceptably offer their worship.
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.
aineete · Greek Verb
To express admiration, honor, or glory to God; a response to God’s nature and works. In Scripture, it is a primary duty of believers and all creation.
ethne · Greek Noun
This verse highlights the incredible shift in God's plan, moving from a covenant primarily with Israel to an inclusive mercy for all nations, a concept rooted in Old Testament prophecies but powerfully fulfilled in Christ and the early church.
c. 1000 BC
David's Reign and Psalm 18
King David, a key figure in Israel's history, writes Psalm 18 to thank God for delivering him from numerous enemies. Paul later interprets this psalm as ultimately pointing to Christ and His universal reign.
c. 700 BC
Prophecy of Isaiah
Isaiah prophesies about a future ruler from Jesse's line (Messiah) who will be a 'sign to the nations' and in whom the Gentiles will hope.
c. 600 BC
Deuteronomy's Song Quoted
Moses' final song includes a passage calling on Gentiles to rejoice with God's people, foreshadowing their inclusion in God's plan.
c. 500 BC
Exile and Gentile Inclusion
During the Babylonian exile, some Jewish traditions began to acknowledge that Gentiles could praise God, especially after Israel's own covenant faithfulness was broken by sin and exile.
This ancient psalm is a direct call for all nations to praise God, echoing the sentiment that God's mercy extends beyond Israel and is worthy of universal glorification.
Isaiah 11:10This prophecy speaks of the Messiah arising as a banner for the nations, promising that Gentiles will seek Him, directly supporting the idea of their future praise and glorification of God.
Deuteronomy 32:43This passage from the song of Moses includes a call for the nations to rejoice with God's people, highlighting the early prophetic vision of a shared praise between Jews and Gentiles.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's realization that God shows no favoritism and accepts anyone who fears Him and does what is right directly illustrates the 'mercy' for the Gentiles that Paul is highlighting.
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.
The verse highlights that for Gentiles, their inclusion in God's plan is primarily an act of pure mercy, not tied to prior promises like Israel's covenant. This admission into God's favor means they, too, have a unique right and reason to glorify God for His unfathomable mercy towards them.
Paul is building a powerful case to persuade Jewish believers to fully embrace their Gentile brothers and sisters in Christ. He's shown Christ fulfilled the promises made to Israel, and now he's demonstrating from the Old Testament that God's plan always included the Gentiles. This verse, quoting Psalm 18, serves as an Old Testament prophecy pointing to Gentiles glorifying God, not for fulfilling a specific promise as the Jews did, but for His abundant mercy extended to them.
Paul is building a powerful case to persuade Jewish believers to fully embrace their Gentile brothers and sisters in Christ. He's shown Christ fulfilled the promises made to Israel, and now he's demonstrating from the Old Testament that God's plan always included the Gentiles. This verse, quoting Psalm 18, serves as an Old Testament prophecy pointing to Gentiles glorifying God, not for fulfilling a specific promise as the Jews did, but for His abundant mercy extended to them.
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Nations or peoples other than the Jewish people; the non-Jewish world. In the New Testament, it signifies the inclusion of all nations in the salvation plan of God.
c. 40 BC - 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Early Church
Jesus lives and ministers, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. After His resurrection and ascension, the early church, guided by apostles like Paul, begins to openly welcome Gentiles into the community of faith.
c. AD 60-62
Paul Writes Romans
Paul writes his letter to the Romans, likely from Corinth or Ephesus, to explain the Gospel and promote unity between Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ.
"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.” And again it says,
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And aga…" — The verse highlights that for Gentiles, their inclusion in God's plan is primarily an act of pure mercy, not tied to prior promises like Israel's covenant. This admission into God's favor means they,…