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Romans Commentary Chapters 9-16  /  Romans 9:10-13 the Two Nations from Jacob and Esau Part One  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 6
Bercot says “not of works but of Him who calls” is not denigrating works, but answering Jewish offense that Gentiles were welcomed “without embracing the law or even having any prior godly works”; how does this framing reshape what “grace” is doing in Romans 9, and what modern debates about works (either legalism or anti-obedience attitudes) does it expose as possibly mis-aimed?
Another way to ask: If “not of works but of Him who calls” is about Gentiles being welcomed without first keeping the Jewish law, what does that say grace is doing in Romans 9? Which modern fights about works—legalism or “obedience doesn’t matter”—might be missing the point?

Direct Answer In the transcript, “grace” in Romans 9 is God’s freedom to call the undeserving—especially Gentiles—into His people without requiring prior law-keeping or a track record of good deeds. This exposes as mis-aimed both legalistic demands for pre-qualification and anti-obedience readings that treat Paul as hostile to good works.

Support from Transcript:

  • Bercot says some use the verse to teach “God cares little about works, or that He is even hostile to them,” calling that “erroneous” and out of context.
  • He frames the real issue: Jews were offended that Gentiles came “without embracing the law or even having any prior godly works.”
  • The Jewish complaint: God would be “selecting the wicked, idol-worshiping Gentiles over the righteous Jewish heirs.”
  • Paul’s reply via Jacob: God chose Jacob “before he had done any works… before he was even born.”
  • Therefore it is “equally fair for God to choose the Gentiles before their spiritual birth.”
  • He clarifies: “So Paul is not denigrating godly works… good works are essential after our initial salvation,” but not required beforehand.
Discussion Follow-ups Do we argue about “works vs. grace” in ways that miss Paul’s actual target—who gets included and on what basis? How might this correct both performance-based religion and excuses for disobedience?

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