5. whose are the fathers; and of whom, as according to flesh, is the Christ, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
6. Not however as though the word of God had failed; for not all are Israel which are of Israel;
7. nor because they are seed of Abraham are all children: but, In Isaac shall a seed be called to thee.
8. That is, they that are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned as seed.
9. For this word is of promise, According to this time I will come, and there shall be a son to Sarah.
10. And not only that, but Rebecca having conceived by one, Isaac our father,
11. the children indeed being not yet born, or having done anything good or worthless (that the purpose of God according to election might abide, not of works, but of him that calls),
12. it was said to her, The greater shall serve the less:
13. according as it is written, I have loved Jacob, and I have hated Esau.
14. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Far be the thought.
15. For he says to Moses, I will shew mercy to whom I will shew mercy, and I will feel compassion for whom I will feel compassion.
16. So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shews mercy.
17. For the scripture says to Pharaoh, For this very thing I have raised thee up from amongst men, that I might thus shew in thee my power, and so that my name should be declared in all the earth.
18. So then, to whom he will he shews mercy, and whom he will he hardens.
19. Thou wilt say to me then, Why does he yet find fault? for who resists his purpose?
20. Aye, but thou, O man, who art thou that answerest again to God? Shall the thing formed say to him that has formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
21. Or has not the potter authority over the clay, out of the same lump to make one vessel to honour, and another to dishonour?