What does Romans 9:10 mean?

Explanation

Romans 9:10 refers to the story of Rebecca and Isaac from the Old Testament, highlighting the idea of predestination in Paul's argument.

In this verse, Paul cites the Genesis account of Rebecca's pregnancy to exemplify that God's purpose according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him who calls.

Rebecca, the wife of Isaac, conceived twins, and even before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, God chose Jacob (over Esau) to carry forward the promise given to Abraham.

This is meant to illustrate that God's choice is based on His own will and purpose, and not on human actions or merits.

Historical Context

Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around 57 A.D. to the Christians in Rome.

The church in Rome was made up of both Jews and Gentiles, and one of the central themes of the letter is the relationship between Israel and the Church, and the role of the Law in salvation.

At this point in the epistle, Paul is discussing the sovereignty of God in salvation, and trying to address the Jewish question of why not all of Israel was accepting Christ as Messiah.

The historical context is crucial, as it helps in understanding Paul's reasoning for using the story of Rebecca and Isaac as an example of God's sovereign election.

Theological Insights

From a Calvinist perspective, this verse is often cited in discussions of unconditional election, one of the five points of Calvinism, which posits that God's grace in saving people is not based on any foreseen virtue or faith on the part of those who are saved, but solely on His mercy.

An Arminian interpretation, however, would emphasize God's foreknowledge and argue that God's election is based on His foreseeing who would, by their free will, choose to believe.

Open Theists would argue that God's election is based on the future actions and choices made by individuals, considering that God's knowledge of the future is dynamic and not settled.

Practical Applications

Romans 9:10 can remind modern believers of the sovereignty of God in matters of faith and salvation.

It may encourage individuals to trust in God's plan and purposes, rather than relying on their own efforts or works to earn favor with God.

It also underscores the importance of humility, recognizing that humans do not control or fully understand the criteria God uses in His decisions, especially concerning election and calling.

Cross-References

• Genesis 25:21-23 – "And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebecca his wife conceived."
• Romans 8:29-30 – "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son..."
• Ephesians 1:4-5 – "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will..."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key terms to analyze include "καὶ τοῦτο οὐ μόνον" (and not only this), which signals a continuation of Paul's argument, and "ἐξ ἑνὸς" (by one), referring to the singular father, Isaac, emphasizing the idea of election from a single progenitor.

Another term is "διά" (through or by), which indicates the conduit of God's promise.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of predestination contrasted with free will is a topic not just in Christianity but also in other religions and philosophies. In Islam, the doctrine of Qadar expresses the idea of divine decree, which can be compared to Christian predestination.

In contrast, many Eastern philosophies such as Buddhism and Hinduism focus more on karma and the consequences of one's actions, which align more with concepts of free will.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of human behavior and genetics might challenge some interpretations of predestination, emphasizing the complex interaction of genetics, environment, and personal choices.

However, the theological doctrine of predestination as explained in Romans operates within a spiritual and metaphysical context that is not necessarily akin to scientific determinism.

Commentaries

Different Biblical commentators offer varying perspectives on Romans 9:10.

For instance, John Stott and F.F.

Bruce, both notable New Testament scholars, discuss the sovereignty of God and the doctrine of election in light of this passage.

They affirm that Paul's central point is to emphasize the grace of God rather than human merit in salvation.

Calvinist commentators might focus on the verse to support the doctrine of unconditional election, while Arminian commentators may dispute this interpretation, arguing instead for conditional election based on foreseen faith.