even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul emphasizes that the calling God extends is not limited to the Jewish people but now includes Gentiles as well. This highlights a profound shift, revealing God's mercy is available to all who respond, not just those who adhere to a specific heritage.
even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining how God's sovereign election isn't limited to ethnic Israel but includes Gentiles, proving that God's purposes extend to all who are called by His grace. He uses Old Testament prophecies from Hosea and Isaiah to show that this inclusion of Gentiles wasn't an afterthought but part of God's long-standing plan, even amidst Israel's unfaithfulness. This leads into his explanation that the "vessels of mercy" are those chosen and called by God, whether Jew or Gentile, and that God’s justice is evident in His dealings with both those who are hardened and those who are called to salvation.
Paul shifts from discussing abstract 'vessels' to speaking about real people. Who is this 'us' he refers to, and why is their identity so crucial?
In Romans 9:24, Paul makes a significant shift. He moves from discussing God's sovereign choice in terms of 'vessels of mercy' and 'vessels of wrath' to identifying who these vessels are.
From Abstract to Personal
The 'us' Paul refers to are believers in Jesus Christ. These are individuals whom God has called by His grace. This isn't just a general statement about humanity; it's a specific identifier for those set apart by God.
The Implication of 'Called'
The word 'called' here signifies more than just an invitation. It points to an effectual call—God's powerful, irresistible drawing of individuals to Himself. This call isn't based on human merit but on God's sovereign purpose and love. It's the means by which God brings His chosen people into relationship with Him.
Paul highlights a revolutionary aspect of God's call: it transcends the deepest social and religious divisions of his day. What does this mean for inclusion?
Paul's emphasis in Romans 9:24 is profound: God's call is not restricted to one ethnic group. He explicitly states, 'not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles.'
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A Radical Inclusivity
For Paul's audience, this was a radical concept. The Jews had long seen themselves as God's chosen people, set apart from the Gentile nations. Paul's assertion that God's call extends equally to Gentiles shatters this exclusivism.
God's Sovereign Choice, Not Human Lineage
This inclusion isn't about diminishing the Jewish people but about revealing the breadth of God's mercy. God is choosing individuals based on His sovereign will, not solely on ethnic descent or adherence to the Law. The 'vessels of mercy' are found among both Jews and Gentiles, demonstrating that salvation is a gift of God's grace offered to all who believe.
Understand the original words
kaleō · Greek Verb
The act of God issuing a summons to salvation, effectual in drawing individuals into His covenantal community.
ethnos · Greek Noun
Non-Jewish peoples; those outside the historical covenantal relationship with Israel whom God brings into the family of faith.
Paul is addressing a mixed community of Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome, grappling with the question of God's faithfulness to Israel amidst the rise of Gentile Christianity. This verse emphasizes that God's call has always extended beyond ethnic boundaries, a concept rooted in ancient prophecies but powerfully realized in the early church.
c. 8th Century BC
Prophecies of Israel's Rejection and Gentile Inclusion
Prophets like Isaiah and Hosea foretold periods of judgment and rejection for Israel, but also included prophecies about God's future salvation extending to the Gentiles and restoring a remnant of His people.
c. 6th Century BC
Babylonian Exile
The Babylonian exile resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and a scattering of Jewish people, which led to Jews living in Gentile lands and increased interaction between the two groups.
c. 1st Century BC - 1st Century AD
The Diaspora and Hellenization
Jewish communities spread throughout the Roman Empire (the Diaspora) and were influenced by Greek culture and language (Hellenization), leading to greater exposure and interaction with Gentiles.
c. AD 30s - AD 50s
Early Spread of the Gospel
Following Jesus' resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, the gospel message began to spread rapidly, with early Jewish believers being the first apostles, but soon including many Gentile converts.
c. AD 50s— this verse
Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles
The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys focused heavily on proclaiming the gospel to Gentiles, establishing numerous churches in Gentile communities across the Roman Empire.
c. AD 60s
Writing of the Epistle to the Romans
Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome, a diverse community of both Jewish and Gentile believers, to explain the gospel and address theological issues, including the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan.
This passage directly echoes the theme of God's calling extending beyond the Jewish people to include Gentiles, highlighting their former alienation and current inclusion in God's plan.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's experience with Cornelius demonstrates God's impartial acceptance of those who fear Him, regardless of their ethnic background, mirroring the inclusion of Gentiles mentioned in Romans 9:24.
Galatians 3:28-29This verse powerfully states that in Christ, distinctions like Jew and Gentile are dissolved, and believers are all one in Him, a foundational truth that underpins Paul's argument about God's inclusive calling.
Isaiah 56:6-7This Old Testament prophecy anticipates a future where foreigners who join themselves to the Lord will be welcomed and accepted, prefiguring the inclusion of Gentiles in God's covenant people.
1 Peter 2:9-10Peter, quoting Hosea, describes believers as a 'chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,' who were once 'not a people' but are now God's people, directly supporting the concept of God calling people from outside the traditional fold.
vincentRomans 9:24: "Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?"
Called - ofCompare Romans 8:30. For of, read from (ἐξ), as Rev. From among.
cambridgeRomans 9:24: "Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?"
24 . even us ] Lit., and better, whom also he called, us , &c. The “also” or “even” goes with the verb, and seems to indicate that the “afore-preparation” is rather that of the electing purpose of God than that of personal sanctification (which is, however, the sure sequel of the other). Q. d., “He fore-ordained to glory the vessels of mercy, and then proceeded actually to call them to grace.” hath call…
Paul emphasizes that the calling God extends is not limited to the Jewish people but now includes Gentiles as well. This highlights a profound shift, revealing God's mercy is available to all who respond, not just those who adhere to a specific heritage.
Paul is explaining how God's sovereign election isn't limited to ethnic Israel but includes Gentiles, proving that God's purposes extend to all who are called by His grace. He uses Old Testament prophecies from Hosea and Isaiah to show that this inclusion of Gentiles wasn't an afterthought but part of God's long-standing plan, even amidst Israel's unfaithfulness. This leads into his explanation that the "vessels of mercy" are those chosen and called by God, whether Jew or Gentile, and that God’s justice is evident in His dealings with both those who are hardened and those who are called to salvation.
Paul is explaining how God's sovereign election isn't limited to ethnic Israel but includes Gentiles, proving that God's purposes extend to all who are called by His grace. He uses Old Testament prophecies from Hosea and Isaiah to show that this inclusion of Gentiles wasn't an afterthought but part of God's long-standing plan, even amidst Israel's unfaithfulness. This leads into his explanation that the "vessels of mercy" are those chosen and called by God, whether Jew or Gentile, and that God’s justice is evident in His dealings with both those who are hardened and those who are called to salvation.
"even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?" — Paul emphasizes that the calling God extends is not limited to the Jewish people but now includes Gentiles as well. This highlights a profound shift, revealing God's mercy is available to all who r…
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Last reviewed October 2026