Romans 9:11 – “Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand:”

Extended Explanation

Paul continues his discussion of Jacob and Esau, emphasizing a crucial truth: God’s choice was made before they were even born. This means that His decision had nothing to do with their actions, character, or worthiness—it was based entirely on His purpose.

Paul is pointing out that God’s plan does not depend on human effort, good deeds, or traditions. Instead, God works according to His own will and purpose. By choosing Jacob over Esau before they had done anything, God made it clear that His calling is not earned—it is given according to His plan.

This verse is part of Paul’s larger argument in Romans 9 that God’s promises and salvation are based on His mercy and calling, not human heritage or works. It challenges the idea that we can earn God’s favor and reminds us that salvation is a gift from God.

Historical Context

The story of Jacob and Esau is found in Genesis 25. Isaac, the son of Abraham, married Rebekah, but she was unable to have children. After Isaac prayed, she became pregnant with twins.

Even before they were born, the two boys struggled in the womb, and God told Rebekah:

“Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” (Genesis 25:23)

This statement was unusual because, in ancient cultures, the firstborn son was normally given priority. But God reversed this expectation and chose Jacob over Esau, even before their birth.

Paul uses this example to show that God’s purposes have always been based on His own will, not human customs or actions. This reinforces his teaching that salvation is not based on human effort but on God’s grace.

Theological Implications

1. God’s choices are based on His purpose, not human actions – This verse teaches that God’s calling and salvation are not rewards for good behavior but are part of His divine plan.
2. God’s sovereignty is at work in salvation – Paul is making the point that people are part of God’s family because of His calling, not their own achievements. This applies to both individuals and nations.
3. Human effort does not determine God’s promises – If Jacob and Esau were chosen before they had done anything good or bad, it means that our relationship with God is based on His grace, not our performance.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is carefully structured to emphasize that God’s choice was made before any human actions took place:

• “Before the twins were born” – God’s decision was made in advance, not based on anything they did.
• “Or had done anything good or bad” – This removes any idea that Jacob was chosen because of his moral superiority over Esau.
• “In order that God’s purpose in election might stand” – This phrase explains the reason behind God’s choice: to show that His plans are not based on human effort but on His sovereign will.

This verse is foundational in Paul’s argument that salvation is by grace alone. It also highlights how God often works contrary to human expectations—choosing the younger over the older, the weak over the strong, and the unexpected over the expected.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 25:23 – God tells Rebekah that the older will serve the younger.
• Malachi 1:2-3 – God declares, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated,” emphasizing His sovereign choice.
• Ephesians 1:4-5 – God chose believers before the foundation of the world.
• 2 Timothy 1:9 – God saved us not because of our works, but because of His purpose and grace.
• Titus 3:5 – Salvation is not by works but by God’s mercy.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse teaches that God’s grace is unearned and undeserved. Many people believe that their good works, religious background, or moral behavior make them right with God. But Paul makes it clear that God’s calling is not based on what we do—it is based on His mercy.

For today’s Christian, this means:

• We don’t have to earn God’s love—He calls us by His grace.
• Our salvation is secure, because it does not depend on our performance but on God’s faithfulness.
• We should trust God’s plan, even when it doesn’t align with human traditions or expectations.

This verse should bring comfort and humility. Comfort, because our relationship with God is based on His grace, not our effort. Humility, because none of us can claim that we deserve God’s blessings.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Some people might wonder, If God chooses some and not others, does that mean He is unfair? But this verse actually highlights God’s deep love and grace.

1. God’s love is not based on human achievement – He loves and calls people not because they are good enough, but because of His kindness.
2. God’s love is personal and purposeful – He was involved in Jacob’s life before he was even born. In the same way, God has a plan for each of us.
3. God’s love is beyond human expectations – He often chooses the weak, the unlikely, and the unexpected to fulfill His purposes.

This verse reveals a God who is actively involved in His creation, guiding history according to His perfect will.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse ultimately points to Jesus, because salvation is not based on works but on God’s grace through Christ.

• Jesus is the ultimate chosen servant – Just as Jacob was chosen before birth, Jesus was chosen before the foundation of the world to be our Savior (1 Peter 1:20).
• Jesus fulfills God’s promise of salvation – Just as Jacob was chosen over Esau to continue the covenant, Jesus is the true heir who brings salvation to all who believe (Galatians 3:16).
• Jesus shows that salvation is by grace, not works – Just as Jacob did not earn his place in God’s plan, we do not earn salvation—it is given freely through Christ (Romans 3:24).

Paul’s point in Romans 9:11 is the same message that Jesus preached: Salvation is by God’s grace, not human effort.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse challenge the idea that salvation is based on human effort?
2. What does it mean that God’s purpose in election “might stand”?
3. How does this verse help us trust in God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense to us?
4. Why do you think God often chooses the unexpected (like Jacob over Esau) to fulfill His plans?
5. How does this verse deepen your understanding of God’s grace in your own life?