Romans 9:24

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 called Better, called. See on Romans 8:28.

not of the Jews only Here St Paul reminds us of the special subject of this discussion; the apparent rejection of Israel. By the true heirs of Abraham was all along meant the church of the elect; those who should be "called" and should "love God." In the Mosaic age these were but someof the bodily Israel; in the Christian age they were largely found outsidethat Israel. But in both cases the Promise, in its true intention, was fulfilling. He now quotes in proof of that true intention.