Romans 9:16

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 9:16

So then - It follows as a consequence from this statement of God to Moses. Or it is a doctrine established by that statement.Not of him that willeth - This does not mean that he that becomes a Christian, and is saved, does not choose eternal life; or is not made willing; or that he is compelled to enter heaven against his own choice. It is true that people by nature have no desire of holiness, and do not choose eternal life. But the effect of the influences of God’s Spirit on the heart is to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Romans 9:14-16

Romans 9:14-16. What shall we say then? To this. The apostle now introduces and refutes an objection. Is there unrighteousness, or injustice, with God? In the distribution of his providential blessings, in this or any other instance that can be produced? Was it unjust in God to choose Jacob and his posterity to be the members of his visible church on earth, and to inherit the promises in their literal meaning, rather than Esau and his posterity? Or to accept believers who imitate the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Romans 9:6-29

God chooses according to his will (9:6-29)Paul’s first assertion is that the promise of God has not failed. He reminds his readers of what he said earlier, namely, that people who are Israelites physically are not necessarily Israelites spiritually. In other words, not all who are physically descended from Jacob (Israel) are the true people of God in the spiritual sense (6; cf. 2:28-29; 4:11-12).To illustrate that not all descendants of a chosen person are truly God’s people, Paul refers to the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Romans 9:16

willeth . Greek. thelo . App-102 . Isaac willed, Esau ran. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Romans 9:16

So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that hath mercy.Paul's words were still being directed at the Jews, primarily. Supposing that they were entitled to salvation, that God owed it to them, the nation as a whole, and the Pharisees as conspicuous examples of it, were wallowing in an arrogant self-righteousness that Paul struck down in the considerations brought forward here. No man merits salvation. In the last analysis, it is the gracious outflowing of... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Romans 9:16

Romans 9:16. God that sheweth mercy— Shewing mercy, and obtaining mercy, are applied to the donation of extraordinary favours and privileges upon a people, chap. Romans 11:30. 1 Peter 2:10.; and that it is to be so understood here, appears from the context. One would imagine that this verse should have come in immediately after the 13th; but the reason why the Apostle inserted it here, most probably was, that he might take the affair of Moses's intercession for the Israelites into his... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Romans 9:16

16. So then it is not of him that willeth—hath the inward desire nor of him that runneth—maketh active effort (compare 1 Corinthians 9:24; 1 Corinthians 9:26; Philippians 2:16; Philippians 3:14). Both these are indispensable to salvation, yet salvation is owing to neither, but is purely "of God that showeth mercy." See on Philippians 3:14- :, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling: for it is God which, out of His own good pleasure, worketh in you both to will and to do." read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Romans 9:14-18

3. God’s freedom to elect 9:14-18The question of fairness arises whenever someone makes a choice to favor one person or group over another. Paul dealt with the justice of God in doing what He did in this pericope."These verses are a detour from the main road of Paul’s argument. Paul takes this detour because he knows that his insistence on God’s initiative in determining who should be saved and who rejected (see Romans 9:10-13 especially) will meet with questions and even objections.... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Romans 9:16

It is not man’s desire or effort that causes God to be merciful but His own sovereign choice. God is under no obligation to show mercy or extend grace to anyone. If we insist on receiving just treatment from God, what we will get is condemnation (Romans 3:23). read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 9:1-33

The Rejection of Israel no Disparagement or Disproof of the GospelThe Apostle sorrows over the exclusion of Israel (Romans 9:1-5), but their exclusion does not involve any breach of God’s promises, for He always made a selection, even among the members of the chosen family (Romans 9:6-13). This cannot be unjust, for God has stated it to be His method (Romans 9:14-18). We should have no right to cavil, even if God seemed to use us sternly (Romans 9:19-21). But He has acted with mercy (Romans... read more

Group of Brands