Romans 9:24
even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul emphasizes that "us" refers to believers from both Jews and Gentiles, highlighting that God’s calling is not exclusively for one group, but an inclusive invitation meant to reveal His mercy across all nations. This inclusion itself is a testament to His sovereign purpose, not a sign of favoritism toward any earthly identity.
Paul is explaining God's sovereign choice in salvation, arguing that it isn't limited to ethnic background. He's building on the idea that God chooses individuals as "vessels of mercy," and this verse clarifies that these chosen individuals come from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. This sets the stage for his later explanation of why God has extended his call to Gentiles, not just the Jewish people.
Who is this 'us' Paul is talking about? It's more than just a group of people; it's a divine identifier.
Paul shifts from discussing abstract 'vessels' of mercy and wrath to identifying the specific people intended by God's mercy. This 'us' refers to Christians, both Jewish believers and Gentile believers.
Paul links God's calling directly to His choosing. What does this mean for how we understand our faith journey?
In this verse, Paul presents the 'call' as a direct result and evidence of God's prior election and preparation for glory. It's not a call that's earned, but one that flows from God's sovereign purpose.
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 deep-seated Jewish assumption that God's favor and promises were exclusively theirs. By highlighting that God's 'calling' (Romans 9:24) extends to Gentiles as well, he reframes salvation history, showing it was always God's plan to include people from all nations, not just ethnic Israel.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, scattering its people and leading to a significant intermingling with Gentile populations. This event marks the beginning of Israel's dispersion and a blurring of strict national/ethnic lines.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonian Empire destroys Jerusalem and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, exiling many of its people. This profound national trauma and displacement further shapes Jewish identity and their relationship with surrounding nations.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great allows the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. However, not all choose to return, and the community that does return is smaller and more focused on preserving its distinct identity.
c. 5th - 1st Century BC
Growth of Diaspora Communities
Jewish communities are established throughout the Greco-Roman world. These 'diaspora' Jews increasingly interact with Gentile cultures, leading to both assimilation and distinct religious expression.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of Romans 9:24, stating clearly that 'God shows no partiality' and accepts people from every nation who fear him and do what is right. It highlights God's inclusive heart revealed through the calling of Cornelius and his household.
Galatians 3:28Paul emphasizes the breaking down of divisions in Christ, stating there is 'neither Jew nor Greek... for you are all one in Christ Jesus.' This profoundly supports the idea in Romans 9:24 that God's calling transcends ethnic and national boundaries.
Ephesians 2:11-13Here, Paul reminds the Gentiles of their former exclusion from Israel's covenants but rejoices that through Christ, they have been brought near. This parallels Romans 9:24's declaration that God's call extends beyond the Jews to include the Gentiles, making them fellow heirs.
Hosea 2:23Paul quotes this verse in Romans 9:26 to show that God's plan to call those who were 'not my people' as 'my people' was foretold in the Old Testament. This prophecy from Hosea underscores the ancient roots of God's inclusive calling, extending His grace beyond the chosen nation.
Matthew 2:1-12The visit of the Magi, wise men from the East (Gentiles), to worship the newborn King Jesus demonstrates from the very beginning of Christ's earthly ministry that His significance and calling extended far beyond the Jewish people.
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 "us" refers to believers from both Jews and Gentiles, highlighting that God’s calling is not exclusively for one group, but an inclusive invitation meant to reveal His mercy across all nations. This inclusion itself is a testament to His sovereign purpose, not a sign of favoritism toward any earthly identity.
Paul is explaining God's sovereign choice in salvation, arguing that it isn't limited to ethnic background. He's building on the idea that God chooses individuals as "vessels of mercy," and this verse clarifies that these chosen individuals come from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. This sets the stage for his later explanation of why God has extended his call to Gentiles, not just the Jewish people.
Paul is explaining God's sovereign choice in salvation, arguing that it isn't limited to ethnic background. He's building on the idea that God chooses individuals as "vessels of mercy," and this verse clarifies that these chosen individuals come from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. This sets the stage for his later explanation of why God has extended his call to Gentiles, not just the Jewish people.
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c. 1st Century AD— this verse
Early Christian Mission to Gentiles
The gospel message begins to spread beyond Jewish circles. Key figures like Paul champion the inclusion of Gentiles into the early church, sparking debate and controversy within the nascent movement.
c. AD 70
Destruction of the Second Temple
The Romans destroy Jerusalem and the Second Temple. This event leads to another massive Jewish diaspora and cements the separation between Judaism and early Christianity.
"even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?" — Paul emphasizes that "us" refers to believers from both Jews and Gentiles, highlighting that God’s calling is not exclusively for one group, but an inclusive invitation meant to reveal His mercy ac…
