Romans 9:7-33 ASV

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:21

(21) Hath not the potter . . .?—In strict logic, this verse would supply a confirmation, rather than a refutation, of the original objection. If man is merely as clay in the hands of the potter, it would not be un-reasonable to say, “Why doth He yet find fault?” No one would think of blaming a piece of earthenware because it was well or badly made. The argument of the Apostle is not directed to this. He has left the point with which he started in Romans 9:19, and is engaged in proving the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:22

(22) What if . . .—The sentence in the original is incomplete. In its full form it would run, “If God willing to show His wrath” . . . (what can man reply?) This latter clause is dropped or lost in the course of the argument. The best and simplest expedient to supply its place is that adopted in the Authorised version, inserting “what” in italics at the beginning: “What if,” &c. There is a second suppression later in the sentence. At the end of Romans 9:23 we should have to insert some such... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:22-29

(22-29) These verses supply the concluding section of the vindication. All this scheme of God’s dealings, apparently so severe, is really most merciful. To those who really deserved His wrath, He showed longsuffering. While for us who now believe, Gentiles as well as Jews, He had mercy and glory in store. But in both cases the final result was strictly in accordance with prophecy. Hosea had foretold the admission of the Gentiles. Isaiah the exclusion of the greater part of the Jews. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:24

(24) Even us.—So far the form of the sentence had been abstract—“vessels of wrath,” “vessels of glory.” Now the Apostle explains who are meant by these abstract terms. The “vessels of glory” are those who were intended to accept the Christian teaching, whether Jews or Gentiles. The “vessels of wrath” are the unbelieving mass of the people of Israel. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:25

(25) As he saith also in Osee.—The original of the prophecy in Hosea relates to the pardon and reconciliation promised to the apostate and idolatrous people of the northern kingdom. It is here typically and prophetically applied to the Gentiles. Those who had ceased to belong to the chosen people, and those who had never belonged to it, were to all intents and purposes in the same position.Osee.—“It may be questioned whether this word should be pronounced as a dissyllable, the double e being... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:26

(26) And it shall come to pass.—This, too, was originally spoken of the restoration of the northern exiles to the land of Palestine. As applied to the conversion of the Gentiles, it would mean that the lands which had previously been heathen should become Christian. There is some doubt whether the Hebrew of Hosea should not rather be translated, “instead of calling them,” for “in her place where it was said unto them.” Instead of calling them “Ye are not my people,” they will be called “Sons of... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:27

(27) Crieth.—With reference to the impassioned utterance of the prophet.A remnant.—Rather, the remnant, with an emphasis upon the word. “The remnant, and only the remnant.”Shall be saved.—In the original, shall return—i.e., as it is explained in the previous verse, “return to God.” St. Paul has followed the LXX. in putting the consequences of such conversion for the conversion itself. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:28

(28) For he will finish.—Literally, according to the correct reading, For a sentence, accomplishing and abridging it, will the Lord execute upon the earth; in other words, “A short and summary sentence will the Lord execute upon the earth.” The severity of the sentence is a proof that only a remnant can be saved from it. St. Paul follows the LXX., with but slight deviation. The sense of the Hebrew appears to be somewhat different:—“For though thy people. O Israel, were as the sand of the sea,... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:29

(29) Said before—i.e., in an earlier part of his book. The Book of Isaiah was at this time collected in the form in which we have it. In Acts 13:33, we find an express reference to the present numbering of the Psalms—“It is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.” (Some authorities read “first,” the two psalms being arranged as one, but “second” is probably the true reading.)A seed.—Equivalent to the “remnant” of Romans 9:27. The point of the quotation... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:30

(30) Which followed not after righteousness.—Not having a special revelation, and being inattentive to the law of conscience.Attained to righteousness.—By accepting the offer of Christianity, and especially the Christian doctrine of justification by faith. read more

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:21

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:22

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:22-29

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:24

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:25

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:26

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:27

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:28

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:29

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Romans 9:30

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