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Romans Chapter
Nine
I.
Content of the Chapter
The Origin and deprivation of the Salvation
A. The first origin of the salvation ---- the
sovereign selection of God:
1. The original position of the
2. The election is through the promise of God
(v.6-9);
3. The election is not through the works of man
(v.10-13);
B. The second origin of the salvation ---- the
sovereign mercy of God:
1. The merciful sovereignty of God (v.14-18);
2. The parable of the potter (v.19-21);
3. The two-sided mercy of
God:
a. The two-sided mercy (v.22-24);
b. The mercy to the gentiles (v.25-26);
c.The mercy to the
C. The deprivation of God ---- the
II.
Verse by Verse commentary
Rom. 9:1 “I tell the truth in Christ,
I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit,”
YLT:
“Truth I say in Christ, I lie not, my conscience bearing testimony with me in
the Holy Spirit,”
Literal
Meaning: “I tell the truth in Christ”, “in Christ”, it means that he speaks
before God and he himself takes the responsibility in order to show that his
words is true and faithful (see 2Cor. 2:17). Therefore, he adds, “I am not lying”, to strengthen the verity and faithfulness
of his words.
“My
conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit”, the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit
together (
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Two basic conditions for we Christians to
speak to others are necessary: a) absolute true without lies; b) our conscience
shall bear witness in the Spirit.
2) Two basic elements for the testimony of the
life of Christians should be prepared: a) “in Christ”; b) “in the Holy Spirit”;
3) A man who lives in Christ and is untied with
Him will never lie, for Christ is not Yes and No, but in Him is Yes (2Cor.
1:19).
4) All the truth and reality are “in Christ”.
Without Christ, everything is empty and vain.
5) One’s conscience is only reliable when the
Spirit shines in him.
6) The witness bore by man’s conscience in the
enlightenment and inspiration of the Spirit is credible and valuable, for he has
dual judgment of the Spirit and conscience.
YLT:
“that I have great grief and unceasing pain in my heart --”
Literal
Meaning: “great sorrow”, “sorrow” means heartbreak; “great” shows
that he sorrowed extremely.
“And continual grief in my heart”, “grief”, it is mostly used
to describe the physical pain and also “mental pain”.
This verse indicates that his sorrow and
grief are: 1) very great; 2) unceasingly;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Great sorrow and joy are connected (Rom.
8:31-39). One who is joyful on account of his being saved will have great sorrow for others ---- “my brethren” ---- who have
not been saved.
2) Men in the world usually desire to let
others loss but he profits. The spiritual Paul would rather be accursed than
profit for others. This should be the principle for every Christian’s walking.
Rom. 9:3 “For I could wish that I
myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to
the flesh,”
YLT: “for
I was wishing, I myself, to be anathema from the Christ -- for my brethren, my
kindred, according to the flesh,”
Literal
Meaning: “my brethren my countrymen
according to the flesh”, in the epistles of Paul, “brethren” are mostly refer
to brethren in the Lord (see
“Were accursed”, it means that he will be cast out of the Judaism and be
cursed. Here, Paul indicates that he is delivered to the wrath of God and
perishes forever (see 1Cor. 12:3; 16:22; Gal. 1:8-9).
“That I myself… from Christ”, to be separated from the love of Christ;
actually, it is impossible (see Rom. 8:35-39).
“I
could wish”, it suggested that
he was willing to replace the penalty of his brethren if it would help them to
receive the salvation.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
Men in the world
like to gain profit at the loss of others. The principle of the conversation of
Christians is: one would rather suffer loss than let others gain.
2)
The children of God
should be willing to suffer pain for the sake of the salvation for the souls of
men, even though the pain is extreme grievous. One who loves man’s soul is
willing to pay any cost for being saved of others.
3)
For the sake of
Paul’s love toward his brethren, he “could wish that I himself were accursed from Christ”. This is a perfect testimony that the
spirit of Christ is on him. Since the incarnated Christ took part in the same
blood and flesh (Heb. 2:14), we were “His countrymen according to the flesh”.
He had become a curse for us (Gal. 3:13) ---- “His countrymen according to the
flesh” ---- and was even separated from God the Father (see Matt. 27:46) for
the purpose of perfecting the salvation for us.
4)
Paul said that if
the
5)
One who really loves
sinners and would rather sacrifice himself to wish others would be saved is the
best evangelist who preaches the salvation of Christ. No wonder that the
influence of Paul spread the whole world in his days and from generation to
generation.
6)
In the Old Testament
and the New Testament, the two greatest servants of God had the spirit of
“sacrificing himself but perfecting the house of God” (see Ex. 32:32). Today,
if we want to be a servant of the Lord, we should also seek this spirit.
7)
May the Lord make us
a “great” man who has an enlarged heart and bears in mind the interest of
others, not himself.
8)
If we only care for
our own spiritual pursuit but have no feeling towards our family members,
friends, classmates or colleagues, lest we love ourselves more than those who
are of the Lord.
Rom. 9:4 “who are Israelites, to whom
pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the
service of God, and the promises;”
YLT: “who
are Israelites, whose the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the
lawgiving, and the service, and the promises,”
Meaning
of Words: “
Literal
Meaning: “who are Israelites”, “Israelites”, it is used by the Jews to address them after the
return of the remnant in order to show
that they are elect of God.
“To whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants,
the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises”, “adoption”, all the Israelites are “sons of God” (see Ex.
4:22-23; Jer. 31:9; Hos. 11:1).
“The glory” refers to the
manifestation of God ---- God is with the Israelites (see Ex. 16:7, 10; Lev.
6:23; Num. 16:19).
“The covenants”
referred to the covenants that God had made with the Israelites, e.g. the
covenants of Abraham (Gen. 15:17-21; 17:1-8), the
covenants of Moses (Ex. 19:5; 24:1-4), the covenants
of the Levites (Num. 25:12-13; Jer. 33:21; Mal. 2:4-5), the covenants of David
(2Sam. 7; 23:5; Ps. 89:3-4, 28-29; 132:11-12) and etc.
“The giving of the law” refers to the Law of Moses.
“The service of God” relates to the circumcision and sacrifice and
etc. Some Bible exegetes think it refers particularly to the worship and
service in the
“The promises”
refer to the promises of God in the covenants, especially the promises of the
Messiah (2Sam. 7:12, 16; Is. 9:6-7; Jer. 23:5; 31:31-34; Ezek. 34:23-24;
37:24-28 and etc.)
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Just as the Israelites, we believers also
have received great privilege from God ---- they have the name of “
2) A lot of men profess they are Christians,
but their walking is unworthy of the status of Christians and they have
humiliated the name of Christ.
3) How blessed to be sons of God! All that is
of God shall be our enjoyment, for He is the portion my inheritance and of my
cup (Ps. 16:5).
4) If we want to enjoy the blessings of the
sons of God, we should be firstly separated from the world and be sanctified
unto God (see 2Cor. 6:17-18).
5) The greatest sorrow in one’s life is that
one has prepared all the chances of success for his children ---- labor,
sacrifice and devotion of everything ---- but finally he finds his children are
disobedient, rebellious, self-indulgent and self-degraded. Are we like such
children to our God?
6) The Israelites had ever seen the glory of
God, but they forsook Him. It is also possible that we, who were enlightened,
and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and have been made partakers of Holy
Spirit (Heb. 6:4-6), have the possibility of forsaking Him, isn’t it?
7) When we believers have been saved, the glory
of God in face of Christ has shone in our hearts (2Cor. 4:6). Now our chief
mission in the dark world is beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord
(2Cor. 3:18).
8) We are the light in the world. Let our light
thus shine before men, so that they may see our upright works, and glorify our
Father who is in the heavens.
9) Actually, “the covenants” have not bound the
Israelites, but God, who sets Himself on the position of being bound by “the
covenants”. Oh, God is willing to be bound by His loving covenants for He loves
His chosen people.
10) Love is the motive power of keeping the
covenants. The wedding contract of believers should be kept in love.
11) The law makes man know sin (
12) God expected to guide the Israelites to
come to Christ by the law (Gal. 3:24), but finally they rejected Christ. God
wants to let us know more about Christ through the scriptures (John 5:39).
However, we finally focus on the letters but ignore Christ Himself.
13) What is lamentable is that even though
God has revealed us that the Bible is the door of the truth, we do not know how
to open the door to enter in but ask alms of those who were going into the
temple called Beautiful (Acts. 3:2).
14) The greatest promise that God has given
to men is Hs beloved Son Jesus Christ. The greatest profit we can receive is
not outside of Jesus Christ.
15) We should appropriate the promise of God
by faith. For whatever promises of God, in him is the yes, and in him Amen, for
glory to God by us (2Cor. 1:20).
YLT:
“whose the fathers, and of whom the Christ, according to the flesh, who is over
all, God blessed to the ages. Amen.”
Literal
Meaning: “of whom are the fathers”, “fathers” refer to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob
and their sons and etc. ---- they are especially blessed by God. God had ever
made covenant with them, calling Himself as “their God” (see Ex. 4:5; 6:3, 8).
“And from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came”, Jesus Christ is the
son of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (see Matt. 1:1-2). It unveils that He has perfect
humanity and He is a true man of blood and flesh.
“Who is over all, the eternally blessed God”, this verse is the verse that describes
the deity of Jesus Christ clearest in the whole New Testament (see
According to punctuation, this verse has
three different ways of translation: 1) “God who is over all is
the eternally blessed One”; 2) “the One
who is over
all is the eternally blessed God”; 3) “He is over all. May God eternally be blessed”;
“Amen”, yes. The word is
true and expressing the sincere will of the speaker.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Just as the Israelites had the godly fathers
in vain, they rebelled against God. Today, some people can be in touch with
many godly ones (including their parents, friends, classmates, teachers and
etc.), but they are still lost in the world and sin. How terrible!
2) One’s attitude toward Christ shall totally
decide his destiny. How a believer responds to the calling of Christ also
decides his spiritual future.
3) For if we have died together with Christ, we
shall also live together. If we endure, we shall also reign together. If we
deny, he also will deny us (2Tim. 2:11-12).
Rom. 9:6 “But it is not that the word
of God has taken no effect. For they are not all
YLT: “And
it is not possible that the word of God hath failed; for not all who of
Meaning
of Words: “take no effect”: be cast,
fail, fall away, take none effect;
Literal
Meaning: “but it is not that the word
of God has taken no effect”, “the word of God”
refers to the word that God had promised to the
“For they are not all
The Israelites cannot inherit the portion
that God has promised through their physical relationship, but through the
faith in the promises of God.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The word that goes forth out of the mouth of
God shall not return unto Him void, but it shall do that which He pleases (Is.
55:11). If we are unfaithful, He abides faithful, for He cannot deny Himself
(2Tim. 2:13).
2) Not all those who merely confess He is a
Christian on his lips are real Christians. By their fruits you shall know them
(Matt. 7:16).
3) God judges us according to our “reality”
(see Matt. 7:21-23), not the words on our lips nor our works.
Rom. 9:7 “nor are they all children
because they are the seed of Abraham; but, "In Isaac your seed shall be
called." ”
YLT: “nor
because they are seed of Abraham all children, but -- `in Isaac shall a seed be
called to thee;'”
The
Background: “nor are they all children because they are the seed
of Abraham”, “the seed of Abraham” includes Ishmael begotten by the maidservant
Hagar (Gen. 16:15) as well as the six sons begotten by the second wife Keturah
(Gen. 25:2). However, they were not regarded as his children before God, for
God only admitted Isaac begotten by Sarah, calling him “your only son” (Gen.
22:2).
“But, "In Isaac
your seed shall be called"”, it is quoted from the Book of Genesis (21:12). God only admitted that Isaac was the
seed of Abraham, for Isaac was begotten by the promise of God. Other sons were
begotten in the flesh (see v.8).
Rom. 9:8 “That is, those who are the
children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of
the promise are counted as the seed.”
YLT:
“that is, the children of the flesh -- these not children of God; but the
children of the promise are reckoned for seed;”
Literal
Meaning: “those who are the children
of the flesh, these are not the children of God”, “the children of the flesh” refer to the children begotten through man’s
natural power, e.g. Ishmael (see Gen. 17:19; Gal. 4:23). He who is born of the
flesh is flesh (John 3:6). They cannot be children of God (John 1:12-13).
“But the children of the promise are counted as the seed”, “the children of the promise” refer to the children begotten by the
promises of God only beyond man’s natural power, e.g. Isaac (see Gen. 17:19;
Gal. 4:28). In the sight of God, only Isaac was counted as the seed of Abraham
and could inherit the blessings of Abraham given by God (see Gen. 17:5-8;
22:17-18).
From verse six to eight, Paul purposefully
uses many names to address two kinds of men, showing that the word of God has taken
no effect, for the first kind
of men were not counted, but the second were:
1) The first kind one: “be of
2) The second kind one: “
Enlightenment
in the Word: man cannot be
justified by good works before God. Believers in the New Testament enjoy grace
through the promises of God.
Rom. 9:9 “For this is the word of
promise: "At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son." ”
YLT: “for
the word of promise this; `According to this time I will come, and there shall
be to Sarah a son.'”
Literal
Meaning: the word of promise in this verse is quoted from the Book of Genesis (18:10), proving
that Isaac was begotten through the promise of God.
Rom. 9:10 “And not only this, but when
Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac”
YLT: “And
not only , but also Rebecca, having conceived by one -- Isaac our father --”
Literal
Meaning: this verse further
illustrates that there is also the difference between being elected and not
being elected, even though they are both the children of Isaac.
Rom. 9:11 “(for the children not yet
being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according
to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls),”
YLT:
“(for they being not yet born, neither having done anything good or evil, that
the purpose of God, according to choice, might remain; not of works, but of Him
who is calling,) it was said to her --”
Meaning
of Words: “stand”:
abide, stay; “purpose”: will, the show-bread;
Literal
Meaning: “for the children not yet
being born”, it means that whether their character is good or
evil has not been manifested. Therefore, the election of God is not according
to the condition of them.
“Nor having done any good or evil”,
it means that whether their works are good
or evil has not been manifested. Therefore, the election of God is not
according to the condition of their own works.
“That the purpose of God according to election might stand”, it unveils that God has manifested His
election before man has not shown any condition that he is worthy of being
elected for the purpose of revealing His absolute authority of granting grace.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The election of God is completely according
to His will. It is wholly God Himself that decides whom He shall choose, and
man has no right to take part in it.
2) Man cannot earn God’s grace through good
works, for good works of man are his duty.
3) It must be known that God chooses sinners,
good man, nor bad man.
4) God chooses man not by man’s works, for He
can change man’s life, but He cares much for man’s attitude toward Him (see
v.32).
Rom. 9:12 “it was said to her,
"The older shall serve the younger." ”
YLT:
“`The greater shall serve the less;'”
Literal
Meaning: “the older shall serve the
younger”. ---- In fact,
Esau had never served Jacob. Therefore, this prophecy is not focused on
themselves, but their seeds. There was a long period in the history, during
which the seeds of Esau
Rom. 9:13 “As it is written,
"Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated." ”
YLT:
“according as it hath been written, `Jacob I did love, and Esau I did hate.'”
Meaning
of Words: “hate”:
detest, love less;
Literal
Meaning: “as it is written”, it is quoted from the Book of Malachi (1:2-3).
"Jacob I have loved,
but Esau I have hated."” The prophecy of Malachi at that
time referred to their seeds. Edom showed no brotherliness to the Israel when
the Israel were in distress, causing the wrath of God (see Ps. 137:7; Is.
34:5-15; Jer. 49:7-22; Ezek. 25:12-14; 35:5-7; Obad. 1-14).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Ishmael was older than Isaac, but Isaac was
chosen (v.7). Jacob is younger than Esau, but Jacob was chosen. It indicates
that God chooses man according to man’s relationship with Christ (Christ is
begotten by the seed of Isaac and Jacob). The natural age, traditional order,
good or evil works, moral condition do not count.
2) Someone said that it was unfair that God did
not choose Esau. Spurgeon’s answered: “It was not surprising that God did not
choose Esau, but it was really surprising that God had chosen Jacob”.
Rom. 9:14 “What shall we say then? Is
there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! ”
YLT:
“What, then, shall we say? unrighteousness with God? let it not be!”
Meaning
of Words: “unrighteous”: unfair;
Literal
Meaning: “is there unrighteousness
with God?” ---- This is a
wrong idea concerning the above-mentioned fact that the purpose of God according to
election is not of works, but of God Himself (v.11-13). Someone
asks, “is God despotic or unfair since He does so?” In fact, according to
judgment and righteousness, no one is worthy of God’s election. Therefore, God
treats man in “mercy” and “grace” (v.15). And God’s such works are beyond judgment
and righteousness.
Enlightenment
in the Word: no matter what condition we meet, we cannot
question that whether God is fair or not, for He has absolute sovereignty.
Rom. 9:15 “For He says to Moses,
"I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have
compassion on whomever I will have compassion." ”
YLT: “for
to Moses He saith, `I will do kindness to whom I do kindness, and I will have
compassion on whom I have compassion;'”
Meaning
of Words: “mercy”:
compassion;
Literal
Meaning: “for He says to Moses”, the following words
are quoted from the Book of Exodus (33:19).
“I
will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and
I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion”, it mainly suggests that the mercy and
compassion of God cannot be controlled by any other outside force, but are
given only through His free grace.
“Mercy”, it is the response to men’s poor condition
in outside actions; “compassion” refers to the inner feeling toward the poor
condition of men.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) God never treats man unrighteous (see v.14).
He likes to give grace to man in the bowel of compassion.
2) Jehovah is merciful and gracious, slow to
anger, and abundant in goodness and truth (Ex. 34:6).
3) We do not know why God show mercy or
compassion on us. But I know that all those who are willing to receive the
salvation of God and believe the Lord Jesus are by the mercy and compassion of
God.
4) We who have been saved should be thankful
for God’s mercy and compassion. However, if we have been lost or failed, we
should not blame God for the lack of mercy and compassion, but only blame
ourselves.
Rom. 9:16 “So then it is not of him
who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.”
YLT: “so,
then -- not of him who is willing, nor of him who is running, but of God who is
doing kindness:”
Literal
Meaning: “it is not of him who wills”, “it” refers to the merciful selection.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Paul illustrates the authority of God
according to the fact that God chose the
2) That God gives His mercy to man does not on
account of man’s endeavor in his will, works or morality, but of God’s
authority. In the process of man’s history, man has the authority of actions.
3) Man’s will and running do not make any
contribution, nor perfect anything, unless God shows us His mercy and blessing.
Believers should also rely on God’s mercy and blessing in the service in the
assembly.
4) Morgan said, “our will and running are
insufficient to bring us the salvation that we need or lead us into all the
blessings of salvation. We cannot will nor endeavor to obtain the salvation
through ourselves. It is completely the sovereignty of God that man can be
saved.”
5) Though man’s will and running are not the
basic or decisive elements concerning salvation, it does not mean God does not
need our will and running at all ---- the water of life is given to the one who
“wills” (Rev. 22:17). The narrow gate is given to the one who “strives
earnestly” to enter in (Luke 13:24).
6) Christians should have a balanced view on
God’s mercy and man’s will and running. On one hand, Paul “often proposed”. And
on the other hand he always beseeched at his prayers…by the will of God” (Rom.
1:10). On one hand, he “pursued” (Phil. 3:12-14; 1Cor. 9:24, 26). And on the
other hand, he asked God to accomplish all according to His mighty power (Eph.
3:20).
Rom. 9:17 “For the Scripture says to
the Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show
My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth." ”
YLT: “for
the Writing saith to Pharaoh -- `For this very thing I did raise thee up, that
I might shew in thee My power, and that My name might be declared in all the
land;'”
The
Background: the Pharaoh in this verse was the king of
Literal
Meaning: “for the Scripture says to
the Pharaoh”, the following verse was quoted from the Book of Exodus (9:16), in which God
spoke these words to the Pharaoh through Moses. Here, the apostle Paul again
made the Scriptures personified ---- “the Scripture says”, unveiling that the words of God had become the
Scriptures. Therefore, the Scripture is the words of God.
“For this very purpose I have raised you up”, God, for the sake
of His own purpose, made the Pharaoh the governor of
“That I may show My power in you”, the incident that God brought the Israel out of
Egypt made the nations around know the name and power of Jehovah God (see Ex.
15:14-15; Jos. 2:10-11; 9:9; 1Sam. 4:8).
Enlightenment
in the Word: the
will of God decides the
rise and fall of the nations in this age. Men who know God usually ask God to manifest His own
authority on the affairs of the nations through prayers to God.
Rom. 9:18 “Therefore He has mercy on
whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.”
YLT: “so,
then, to whom He willeth, He doth kindness, and to whom He willeth, He doth
harden.”
Literal
Meaning: “He has mercy on whom He
wills”, it repeats the first half of verse
“And whom He wills He hardens”, it means God makes the Pharaoh and
Egyptians “hardened” (Ex. 7:3; 9:12; 14:4, 17). It is a conclusion of verse 17
of this chapter.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The love and grace of God can only given to
those who are worthy of Him. However, His mercy can visit those who are mostly
unworthy of God like us. He raises us up from the low position and makes us the
objects of His election.
2) After man has heard God’s words, he will
either receive or more hardened. This is the principle. It seems that God
hardens him, but actually the real reason is that man himself is unwilling, so
God will give him up to hardness.
Rom. 9:19 “You will say to me then,
"Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?" ”
YLT:
“Thou wilt say, then, to me, `Why yet doth He find fault? for His counsel who
hath resisted?'”
Literal
Meaning: “you will say to me then”, the word “you”
generally refers to those unbelievers who do not agree about God’s ways.
“Why does He still find
fault?” ---- Since man’s
hardness is caused by man himself, God should not find man’s fault.
“For who has resisted His
will?” ---- It means that since man can do
nothing outside the will of God, if man has such faults, God should not require
man to take the responsibility.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) “Why does…”, it shows the
rebellious nature of the flesh. “Yes, Father”, it is the Spirit of Son of
Christ (Matt. 11:26).
2) The sun that melts ice and snow hardens the
soil. The sun that makes the color of the dress fade away tans men. God who
shows mercy to those whose heart are contrite and broken also renders men are
unwilling to repent hardened. He who refuses grace will not receive grace.
Rom. 9:20 “But indeed, O man, who are
you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it,
"Why have you made me like this?" ”
YLT:
“nay, but, O man, who art thou that art answering again to God? shall the thing
formed say to Him who did form , Why me didst thou make thus?”
Literal
Meaning: “but indeed, O man, who are
you to reply against God?” ---- The
rebellious words in verse 19 is beyond the position of man. A man even dares to
question God like this.
“Will the thing formed say to him who
formed it, "Why have you made me like this? ---- According to the meaning of the words, it is
quoted from the Book of Isaiah (45:9; 29:16). The Creator has absolute
sovereignty over the creature. God creates as He likes. Any creature has no
right to call in question.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Man should seek to understand the principle
of the works of God (Ps. 103:7), but has not right to ask God to explain His
works.
2) God is a God who works according to the
counsel of his own will. We should not reason with Him or contest with Him. The
will of God is the standard of measuring everything. The sovereignty of God is
the answer of every question.
Rom. 9:21 “Does not the potter have
power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and
another for dishonor?”
YLT:
“hath not the potter authority over the clay, out of the same lump to make the
one vessel to honour, and the one to dishonour?”
Literal
Meaning: “one vessel for honor”, the
vessel meeting for the master's use (2Tim. 2:21). “Vessel for dishonor”, it refers to the vessel that has not
reached the standard of God.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
But
in the assembly (a great house), we are all vessels that God has made for Himself.
But there is the distinction of “honor” and “dishonor” (2Tim. 2:20).
2)
If
therefore one shall have purified himself from these, he shall be a vessel to
honor, sanctified, serviceable to the Master, prepared for every good work (2Tim. 2:21).
Rom. 9:22 “What if God, wanting to
show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the
vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,”
YLT: “And
if God, willing to shew the wrath and to make known His power, did endure, in
much long suffering, vessels of wrath fitted for destruction,”
Meaning
of Words: “show”:
display, present; “make…know”: manifest; “prepare”: adjust, fit;
Literal
Meaning: “endured with much
longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction”, “endured with much longsuffering”, it means that God shows two aspects of
His disposition at the same time ---- righteousness and kindness. The
righteousness of God makes Him have to show His wrath towards sinners. However,
His kindness renders Him endure with longsuffering and hope to lead man to
repentance (
“Prepared for destruction”, it does not mean someone is “predestinated”
to destruction, for God desires that all men should be saved (1Tim. 2:4), and
is not willing that any should perish (2Pet. 3:9). Here, it indicates that God,
according to His “foreknowledge”, knows that though He “endures with much
longsuffering”, there are still some men who are unwilling to repent and whose
end is destruction.
Enlightenment
in the Word: the sovereignty of
God does not erase man’s responsibility. Though the selection of God is not
according to the works of man, man still has to take responsibility for his
works.
Rom. 9:23 “and that He might make
known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared
beforehand for glory,”
YLT: “and
that He might make known the riches of His glory on vessels of kindness, that
He before prepared for glory, whom also He did call -- us --”
Meaning
of Words: “prepare beforehand”:
prepare previously
Literal
Meaning: “on the vessels of mercy,
which He had prepared beforehand for glory”, note that the word “prepare” in verse twenty-two
is totally different from that in this verse.
Concerning “the vessel for glory”, God not only “knows beforehand” that
they will repent to salvation but also predestinates them for glory (
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The potter has power over the clay by his own will, from the same lump to make one
vessel for honor and another for dishonor (v.21). Then, God will have more sovereignty over
those whom He had created. No matter endurance, or longsuffering (v.22), or
showing glory are all according to His will. Man should not hurl a question at
God.
2) The salvation of God totally lies in His
sovereign mercy so that the whole creature should not boast of themselves.
However, thank God. We are bound in His mercy ---- “and that He might make known the
riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand
for glory”, “this vessel
refers to we who are called by God” (v.24). Therefore, we should firmly believe
that we must be perfected as the vessel for glory so as to manifest His full
glory.
Rom. 9:24 “even us whom He called, not
of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?”
YLT: “not
only out of Jews, but also out of nations,”
Enlightenment
in the Word: the purpose that
God calls us is to make us the honorable vessel of God so that we will be
filled with this honorable and glorious God and manifest His full glory on us
(see v.23).
Rom. 9:25 “As He says also in Hosea:
"I will call them My people, who were not My people, And her beloved, who
was not beloved." ”
YLT: “as
also in Hosea He saith, `I will call what not My people -- My people; and her
not beloved -- Beloved,”
Literal
Meaning: “as He says also in Hosea”, the words after it are quoted from the Book of Hosea (2:23) according to
its meaning, not literally. According to the content of the Book of Hosea, Hosea’s prophecy referred to the spiritual
revival of the
Enlightenment
in the Word: we once were not a
people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have
obtained mercy (1Pet. 2:10). How amazing the grace is!
Rom. 9:26 “"And it shall come to
pass in the place where it was said to them, "You are not My people,'
There they shall be called sons of the living God." ”
YLT: “and
it shall be -- in the place where it was said to them, Ye not My people; there
they shall be called sons of the living God.'”
Rom. 9:27 “Isaiah also cries out
concerning
YLT: “And
Isaiah doth cry concerning
Literal
Meaning: “Isaiah also cries out
concerning
“The remnant will be saved”, the
Enlightenment
in the Word: today, though the number of Christians is as the sand of the sea, the remnant
will overcome.
Rom. 9:28 “For He will finish the work
and cut it short in righteousness, Because the LORD will make a short work upon
the earth." ”
YLT: “for
a matter He is finishing, and is cutting short in righteousness, because a
matter cut short will the Lord do upon the land.”
Rom. 9:29 “And as Isaiah said before:
"Unless the LORD of Sabaoth had left us a seed, We would have become like
YLT: “and
according as Isaiah saith before, `Except the Lord of Sabaoth did leave to us a
seed, as
Literal
Meaning: “and
as Isaiah said before”, the following quotation is from the Book of Isaiah
(1:9).
Enlightenment
in the Word: both the cities of
Rom. 9:30 “What shall we say then?
That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to
righteousness, even the righteousness of faith;”
YLT:
“What, then, shall we say? that nations who are not pursuing righteousness did
attain to righteousness, and righteousness that of faith,”
Enlightenment
in the Word: the will that God
chooses will ultimately lead to Christ who is chosen so that, no matter the
Jews or the Gentiles, all those who believe will have His righteousness on
account of the faithfulness of God.
Rom. 9:31 “but
YLT: “and
Literal
Meaning: “but
Rom. 9:32 “Why? Because they did not
seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at
that stumbling stone. ”
YLT:
“wherefore? because -- not by faith, but as by works of law; for they did
stumble at the stone of stumbling,”
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) No matter the Jews or the Gentiles, they
have the same position before God. The principle and way of God towards them
are changeless. One can receive the salvation by believing the glad tidings
(Rom. 1:16-17).
2) “Did not pursue
… have
attained to” (v.30), “pursue … have not attained to” (v.31), “Why? Because
they did not seek it by faith, but
by the works”. Faith is the inner knowledge about
Christ. Works are men’s outside labor. It clearly states that true and
effective pursuit completely lies in the knowledge about Christ. All the
pursuit, that is not naturally caused by really touching Christ or does not
regard the knowledge of Christ as the goal, is merely man’s labor and struggle
in the flesh, attaining to nothing eventually. What vanity!
Rom. 9:33 “As it is written:
"Behold, I lay in
YLT:
“according as it hath been written, `Lo, I place in Sion a stone of stumbling
and a rock of offence; and every one who is believing thereon shall not be
ashamed.'”
The
Background: Is. 8:13-15, the
prophet Isaiah prophesied the invasion of
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The stone is the Lord Jesus. He who does not
believe Him will stumble at Him. He who does not believe Him will never fail or
be ashamed.
2) God sets Christ as “the corner stone”, who
is the foundation of the salvation for the world as well as the foundation of
the spiritual building of believers. If men do not rely on Him, He will become
our “a stone of stumbling and rock of offence” (1Pet. 2:7-8)
3) All those who take the vain reasoning of man
as the refuge must be swallowed up by the flood of the dark power. However,
those who believe on the Lord must rest in peace. It is because He is a tried
stone and is the firm foundation (see is. 28:15-17).
III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons
The
Election of God
A.
It
is of God who calls (v.1-13);
B.
It
is of God who shows mercy (v.14-18);
C.
It
is of the Creator’s sovereignty (v.19-29);
D.
It
is of man’s pursuit by faith (v.30-33);
The
Will of the Election in Christ
A.
Paul’s
love to the Israelites in Christ:
1.
He
told the truth of love in Christ (v.1-3);
2.
He
saw the privilege of the Israelites (v.4-);
B.
He
who becomes the child of God is according to the promise, but not the flesh
(v.6-9):
1.
The
children of the flesh are not the children of God;
2.
But
the children of the promise are counted as the seed.
C.
God
treats men according to His will, not man’s works:
1.
For
the children not yet being born, that the purpose of God according to election
might stand (v.10-11).
2.
God
chose Jacob, but rejected Esau (v.12-13).
D.
It
is of God who shows mercy, neither of him who wills, nor of him who runs.
1.
God
will have mercy on whomever He will have mercy and He will have compassion on
whomever He will have compassion (v.14-16).
2.
The
power of God is manifested in those who are hardened (v.17-18).
E.
God
has the sovereignty over men.
1.
The
Creator has power to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor
(v.19-24).
2.
God
will call them His people, who were not His people; and her beloved, who was
not beloved (v.25-29).
F.
Whether
a man can obtain the righteousness is determined by his attitude towards
Christ.
1.
Righteousness
is obtained by faith, not by the law (v.30-31).
2.
Christ
is the rock for those who seek by faith. Christ is the stumbling stone for
those who seek by works (v.32-33).
The
Superiority of the Israel
A. To them were entrusted the
oracles of God (
B. To whom pertain the
adoption (v.4);
C. To whom pertain the glory
(v.4);
D. To whom pertain the
covenants (v.4);
E. To whom pertain the giving
of the law (v.4);
F. To whom pertain the service
of God (v.4);
G. To whom pertain the
promises (v.4);
H. Of whom are the fathers and
from whom (v.5);
I. According to the flesh,
Christ came (v.5);
Be
Not…But…
A. Those who are the children of
the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise
are counted as the seed (v.8).
B. The purpose of God
according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls (v.11).
C. It is not of him who wills,
nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy (v.16).
D. It is not the law of
righteousness, but the righteousness of faith (v.30-31).
E. It is not to seek by works, but by faith (v.32).
──
Caleb Huang《Christian Digest Bible
Commentary Series》
Translated by Mary Zhou