What is the meaning of Romans 9:10? Not only that Paul has just proven God’s freedom to choose Isaac over Ishmael (Romans 9:6-9). Now he intensifies the point: what follows is an additional, even clearer illustration. By saying “Not only that,” he invites us to lean in and see God’s purpose in election on an even tighter stage. Just as Romans 4:21-22 shows Abraham’s faith magnifying grace, here Paul shows that God’s choice is rooted in His own promise, not in human distinction. but Rebecca’s children Rebecca carried twins (Genesis 25:21-23). Same mother, same pregnancy, same covenant household—yet God treated the boys differently. This removes any idea that lineage alone or personal merit directs divine favor. It echoes Galatians 4:28-29, where those “born according to the Spirit” are set apart by promise. Paul wants readers to see that salvation history moves on God’s timetable, not family tradition. were conceived by one man Both children share Isaac’s DNA and upbringing. The apostle underlines it to rule out paternal differences as a factor. Hebrews 11:17-18 reminds us that Isaac was the son through whom “your offspring will be reckoned.” If both boys arise from the very man of promise, any later divergence must come from God’s sovereign will, not from human distinctives. our father Isaac Calling Isaac “our father” ties Jewish readers (and believing Gentiles grafted in, Romans 11:17) to the patriarchal covenant. Genesis 26:3-5 records God’s oath to bless Isaac’s descendants “because Abraham obeyed My voice.” In Romans 9, Paul shows that the covenant line continues—not by automatic birthright but through God’s discerning love. This prepares the way for verses 11-13, where Jacob is loved and Esau hated before they had “done anything good or bad.” summary Romans 9:10 drives home the truth that God’s saving choice rests in His promise alone. By highlighting twins from one mother and one father within the covenant family, Paul strips away every human factor and magnifies the freedom of divine grace. |
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