Wesley Corpus

Paul’s Epistles;) “and whom he called, them he also justified; ” (the word is here taken in its widest sense, as including sanctification also ;) “and whom he justified, them he glorified.” Thence to the end of the chapter, he strongly encourages all those who had the love of God shed abroad in their hearts, to have a good hope, that no sufferings should ever “be able to separate them from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.” 26. But as the Apostle was aware how deeply the Jews were offended at the whole tenor of his doctrine, and more especially at his asserting, (1.) That the Jews themselves could not be saved without believing in Jesus; and, (2.) That the Heathens by believing in him might partake of the same salvation; he spends the whole ninth chapter upon them; wherein, (1.) He declares the tender love he had for them. (Verses 1-3.) (2.) Allows the great national privileges they enjoyed above any people under heaven. (Verses 4, 5.) (3.) Answers their grand objection to his doctrine, taken from the justice of God to their fathers. (Verses 6-13.) (4.) Removes another objection, taken from the justice of God; interweaving all along strong reproofs to the Jews, for priding themselves on those privileges which were owing merely to the good pleasure of God, not to their fathers’ goodness, any more than their own. (Verses 14-23.) (5.) Resumes and proves by Scripture his former assertion, that many Jews would be lost, and many Heathens saved. (Verses 24-29.) And, lastly, sums up the general drift of this chapter, and indeed of the whole Epistle. “What shall we say then?” What is the conclusion from the whole 7 the sum of all which has been spoken? Why, that many Gentiles already partake of the great salvation, and many Jews fall short of it. Wherefore? Because they would not receive it by faith. And whosoever believeth not, cannot be saved; whereas, “whosoever believeth in Christ,” whether Jew or Gentile, “shall not be ashamed.” (Verses 30-33.) 27. Those words, “Hath not the potter power over his own clay?” are part of St. Paul's answer to that objection, That it was unjust for God to show that mercy to the Gentiles which he withheld from his own people.