Romans 9:24-26
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Paul shifts from abstract "vessels of glory" to concrete "us," revealing that this divine preparation isn't just for a select few within Israel but includes people from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. This highlights that God's calling isn't limited by ethnicity but extends widely to those He chooses.
even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’” “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining how God's sovereign choice in election and salvation isn't limited to ethnic Israel, but extends to Gentiles as well. He's showing that this plan, which might seem to reject some Jews, was always God's intention from the beginning, not a change of heart. This verse highlights that the "vessels of mercy," prepared for glory, include believers from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds.
Paul shifts from abstract 'vessels' to real people. Who is this 'us' he's talking about, and why is it so significant?
Paul here brings the discussion from the abstract concepts of 'vessels of mercy' and 'vessels of wrath' to concrete reality. The 'us' he refers to are believers in Jesus Christ, both Jewish and Gentile. This is a crucial point because it directly addresses the concern about the apparent rejection of Israel. Paul is saying that God's plan has always included people from outside the Jewish nation, and the calling of Gentiles isn't a new, radical departure, but a fulfillment of God's long-standing purpose.
Paul links God's 'calling' directly to His eternal purpose. What does this tell us about the certainty of our salvation?
In this verse, Paul connects the act of 'calling' with God's prior sovereign choice (election). He isn't just talking about a general invitation to hear the gospel, but an effective, life-changing call that springs from God's eternal purpose for salvation.
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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.
am · Hebrew Noun
A term describing the covenantal relationship between God and His people, signifying belonging, protection, and identity. In a New Testament context, it is expanded to include those brought into the covenant through faith in Christ.
huioi theou zōntos · Greek Noun phrase
A designation denoting a unique relational status with God, signifying adoption, spiritual life, and intimacy. In the New Testament, it refers to those who have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
Paul is addressing the core tension in the early church: how could God's promises to Israel be reconciled with the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people? The historical context of growing Gentile Christianity and the aftermath of the Temple's destruction made this a crucial theological question.
c. 8th Century BC
Prophetic Promises of Inclusivity
Prophets like Hosea and Isaiah speak of a future where God's people would include both Israelites and Gentiles, hinting at a broader scope of God's redemptive plan beyond ethnic lines.
c. 70 AD
Destruction of the Second Temple
The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple marked a profound crisis for Jewish identity and religious practice, forcing many to re-evaluate their place in God's plan.
c. AD 50-60
Paul's Ministry to Gentiles
The Apostle Paul actively evangelized Gentiles throughout the Roman Empire, leading to the establishment of numerous Gentile Christian communities and raising questions about the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers.
c. AD 62-65— this verse
Writing of the Epistle to the Romans
Paul writes his letter to the Roman church, addressing the theological implications of God's work among both Jews and Gentiles, particularly concerning salvation and election.
This passage echoes Paul's point in Romans 9:24 by stating there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile in Christ, highlighting a shared identity through faith.
Ephesians 2:11-13This text explains how Gentiles were once excluded from God's promises but are now brought near through Christ, mirroring the inclusion of Gentiles in God's call mentioned in Romans 9:24.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's realization in this passage, that God shows no partiality and accepts Gentiles who fear Him, directly supports the idea that God's call extends beyond ethnic lines, as Paul argues in Romans 9.
Isaiah 49:6This Old Testament prophecy, quoted by Paul in Acts 13:47, speaks of the Messiah being a light to the Gentiles and salvation to the ends of the earth, which is a foundational text for understanding the 'calling' of the Gentiles.
Romans 1:16Paul's declaration that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, 'to the Jew first and also to the Greek,' directly sets the stage for his discussion about God's inclusive call in Romans 9.
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 shifts from abstract "vessels of glory" to concrete "us," revealing that this divine preparation isn't just for a select few within Israel but includes people from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. This highlights that God's calling isn't limited by ethnicity but extends widely to those He chooses.
Paul is explaining how God's sovereign choice in election and salvation isn't limited to ethnic Israel, but extends to Gentiles as well. He's showing that this plan, which might seem to reject some Jews, was always God's intention from the beginning, not a change of heart. This verse highlights that the "vessels of mercy," prepared for glory, include believers from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds.
Paul is explaining how God's sovereign choice in election and salvation isn't limited to ethnic Israel, but extends to Gentiles as well. He's showing that this plan, which might seem to reject some Jews, was always God's intention from the beginning, not a change of heart. This verse highlights that the "vessels of mercy," prepared for glory, include believers from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds.
"even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? As indeed he says in Hosea,
“Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’
and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’” “And in the…" — Paul shifts from abstract "vessels of glory" to concrete "us," revealing that this divine preparation isn't just for a select few within Israel but includes people from both Jewish and Gentile backgr…
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Last reviewed October 2026