What does Romans 9:19 mean?

Explanation

Romans 9:19 confronts a question that arises from the discussion of God's sovereignty and human responsibility. The apostle Paul anticipates an objection to his argument about God's right to choose some for mercy and others for hardening, as seen in the broader context of Romans 9.

The verse reads: "Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?" Here, the hypothetical objector questions the justice of God holding people accountable if everything occurs according to His will and if His will is indeed irresistible.

The underlying issue addresses the paradox of divine sovereignty and human free will, pondering how humans can be blamed for their actions if they are simply carrying out the predetermined will of God.

Historical Context

Romans was written by Paul in the mid-first century, likely around A.D. 57-58, while he was in Corinth.

The letter was meant for the church in Rome, which consisted of both Jews and Gentiles.

The historical context during this time included tensions between Jewish Christians who had historical ties to the law of Moses and Gentile Christians who did not share the same background.

In Romans 9, Paul is dealing with the question of Israel's place in God's plan after the coming of Christ and the inclusion of the Gentiles.

He uses the concept of divine sovereignty to explain why not all Israelites have embraced the gospel, which would have been a pressing theological and existential question for his original audience.

Theological Insights

This verse touches on several major theological themes:

Divine Sovereignty: Many theologians argue that this verse affirms the absolute sovereignty of God over all creation and His right to enact His will. 2.

Human Free Will: Others highlight the tension between God's sovereign will and human free will, discussing how both can coexist or how one may impact the other. 3.

Justice of God: The question also reflects on God's justice and fairness in holding individuals accountable for their actions if God's will is ultimately behind all things. 4.

Election and Predestination: The broader passage that includes this verse has been central in discussions of election and predestination, where some groups interpret Paul as speaking of individual election unto salvation, while others see a corporate or more conditional view.

Practical Applications

Trust in God's Plan: Believers may find comfort in understanding that God is in control, even when life seems unjust or beyond comprehension. 2.

Humility: This passage can lead to a sense of humility, as it emphasizes the limited understanding of humans in contrast to the knowledge and wisdom of God. 3.

Responsibility: Despite the theological debates about free will and predestination, individuals are encouraged to live responsibly and make choices that reflect their faith and values. 4.

Engagement with Difficult Questions: This verse invites Christians to grapple with difficult questions about faith, providing an opportunity for deeper study and growth.

Cross-References

• Exodus 9:16 - "And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth."
• Isaiah 45:9 - "Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth.

Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?"

• Romans 9:14 - "What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid."
• Romans 9:21 - "Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?"

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek text of Romans 9:19 include:

• "find fault" (Greek: μέμφεται, memphetai) - implies "to blame" or "to accuse."
• "resisted" (Greek: ἀνθέστηκεν, anthestēken) - means "to set oneself against," "to oppose," or "to resist." The verb tense of "hath resisted" is perfect, indicating a completed action with present effects.

The implied permanence of opposition to God's will reinforces the rhetorical nature of the question.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The tension between divine control and human agency in Romans 9:19 has parallels in other religions and mythologies.

For example:

• In Greek mythology, fate often plays an unavoidable role in the lives of gods and humans alike.
• In Islam, the concept of predestination (Qadar) involves God's eternal knowledge and power over all matters, yet human beings are also responsible for their choices.

Comparing these beliefs with the Christian concept of divine sovereignty can offer insights into how different cultures grapple with the mysteries of human existence, choice, and divine control.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, discussions of free will versus determinism are also present, particularly in fields like neuroscience and psychology.

While there isn't a direct scientific correlation to the theological issues raised by Romans 9:19, modern discussions on the brain, behavior, and consciousness can reflect contemporary understandings of human autonomy and the degrees to which our actions are determined by biological or external factors.

Commentaries

There is a broad spectrum of interpretations among various Bible scholars and theologians regarding Romans 9:19.

For instance:

• John Calvin views this passage as a foundation for his doctrine of unconditional election and the idea that God chooses some for salvation and others for reprobation.
• Others, like the Wesleyan tradition, argue that human free will and God's prevenient grace enable humans to respond to or resist God's call, thus maintaining a measure of human responsibility.
• New Perspective scholars might argue that Paul's main concern is not individual salvation but the covenant community and how Gentiles are included through faith in Christ.

Each perspective attempts to reconcile the complexities of divine sovereignty with human responsibility in its own way.