Romans 9:24 – “Even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?”

Extended Explanation

This verse continues Paul’s argument about God’s mercy and how He chooses to bring people into His family. Paul has just finished explaining that God is preparing certain people for glory (Romans 9:23). Now, he makes it clear who those people are: not just the Jews, but also the Gentiles.

For centuries, the Jewish people were known as God’s chosen people. Many assumed that salvation was only for them. But Paul is saying that God’s mercy extends beyond Israel to include people from every nation. This was a radical idea for many Jews at the time.

Paul uses the word “called” to show that salvation is not based on human effort but on God’s invitation. Both Jews and Gentiles are included, not because of their ancestry or good deeds, but because of God’s grace.

Historical Context

The early church was made up of both Jewish and Gentile believers, and tensions sometimes arose between them. Jewish Christians struggled to understand how Gentiles could be included in God’s promises without following Jewish customs.

Paul had already addressed this issue in previous writings. For example:

• Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
• Ephesians 2:14 – Paul says that Jesus has broken down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, making them one family in Christ.

This verse reinforces that salvation is for all people, not just those with Jewish heritage.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several key truths:

1. God’s Call is for All People – No one is excluded from the invitation to salvation. God calls people from every background.
2. Salvation is Based on Grace – Neither Jews nor Gentiles earn their place in God’s family; they are brought in through His mercy.
3. God’s Sovereignty in Salvation – It is God who calls people to Himself, not the other way around.

This verse would have been a shocking but joyful revelation to the Gentiles, who had often been considered outsiders in religious matters. Now, they were included in God’s plan.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is personal and inclusive. The phrase “even us” shows that Paul is including himself and his audience in this truth. He is not speaking in theory—he is declaring a reality that directly affects them.

The structure of the verse also highlights contrast. It would have been expected for Paul to say, “whom he also called from the Jews.” But he adds “but also from the Gentiles” to emphasize that God’s calling is much wider than people assumed.

Biblical Cross-References

• Hosea 2:23 – “I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God.’” (Paul references this later in Romans 9:25 to show that God had always planned to include the Gentiles.)
• Acts 10:34-35 – Peter says, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”
• Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

These passages reinforce the idea that God’s salvation is available to all people.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse has huge implications for believers today.

1. It reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach. No matter where someone comes from, what their background is, or what they’ve done, God’s mercy is available to them.
2. It challenges us to avoid favoritism in the church. Since God calls people from every background, we must be careful not to exclude anyone from hearing the gospel.
3. It reassures us that our salvation is not based on ancestry or performance. We are saved because God called us, not because we earned it.

This verse is a powerful encouragement to share the gospel with all people, knowing that God’s invitation is open to everyone.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Some people struggle with the idea of God choosing people for salvation, thinking it might be unfair. But this verse shows God’s love in action.

• God’s love is inclusive. He does not limit His mercy to one group; He calls people from all nations.
• God’s love is personal. He calls individuals, not just groups.
• God’s love is gracious. No one deserves to be part of His family, but He invites us anyway.

This verse reveals a God who is not distant or exclusive, but one who reaches out to all people with an invitation of mercy.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the key to this verse.

• Jesus fulfilled God’s plan to save both Jews and Gentiles. In His ministry, He welcomed outsiders, healed Gentiles, and preached to Samaritans.
• Jesus made salvation possible for all. Through His death and resurrection, He removed the barriers that separated people from God (Ephesians 2:13).
• Jesus is the reason we are called. Without Him, there would be no invitation to salvation. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

Because of Jesus, people from every nation can be part of God’s family.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does knowing that God calls people from all backgrounds change the way you view salvation?
2. Do you struggle with thinking certain people are more “worthy” of salvation than others? Why or why not?
3. How does this verse encourage you to share the gospel with others?
4. In what ways have you seen God’s calling in your own life?
5. How does this verse challenge you to be more welcoming in your church and community?

This verse is a powerful reminder that salvation is not about where you come from—it’s about God’s mercy. He calls people from every nation, every background, and every walk of life. Instead of limiting His grace to one group, He opens the door wide so that all who believe in Christ can be part of His family.