Romans 9:22

People prepare themselves for destruction by pursuing sin (ch. 1; cf. Matthew 7:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; Philippians 3:19). However, the verb translated "prepared" in this verse is probably a passive rather than a middle, though the form of the passive and middle tenses is identical in Greek. The passive is much more common in the New Testament. Paul probably meant that God prepares some people for destruction. Pharaoh was such a vessel of wrath. Paul had in mind those in Israel who had opposed the gospel in his day. God was patient and merciful with them (cf. Romans 2:3-4; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19-20; 2 Peter 3:9).