In this section, Paul wrestles with the tension between God sovereignty and man’s free will. God had chosen the Israelites to be his people, but they struggled to follow his laws, fulfill his covenants, participate in the worship, and receive his promises. The people outside of the religious community, called Gentiles, were not given those opportunities, nor had they struggle to do what Yahweh wanted them to do.

Now through Christ, everyone has the opportunity to be forgiven and included into the family of God. Does this new inclusion mean equity? This brings back original conflict between first born Cain and second born Abel. The younger found acceptance through obedience while the first grew jealous and vengeful.

Paul reminds the reader of historical promises were given in faith before reality. Abraham and Sarah had to believe that God was going to give them progeny before they had a child. Paul also gives the example of Rebecca’s twin sons. Jacob, the younger, getting the blessing over Esau. The first born twin Esau lost his blessing because he traded away his inheritance for a bowl of beans. Inheritance is wealth promised at birth, but doesn’t become material until the parent dies. In the interim, the child has to believe that they will inherit and value it. Since it is a gift, they can choose to trade it away.

Does God play a part in who gets forgiveness and who gets punished? Paul gives the Moses and Pharaoh. God raised up Pharaoh and hardened his heart so that he show his own strength against him and the Egyptians who had benefited from unpaid labor. Conversely he showed his compassion and mercy on the children of Israel, calling Moses to lead them out from bondage and bring them into a new land.

Paul also gives an example of scripture in the prophecy of Hosea saying God will include the unloved and outsiders as his “beloved” and “my people” at a later date. This is that later date. Including outsiders into the promise was always part of the promise. 

Also, there was also a prediction in Isaiah that of the promised people, numerous as sand, only a remnant would be saved. Paul recognizes that this paradox is a stumbling block for many people because those who didn’t work hard enough and those who didn’t work at all both get an equal opportunity to be included. For those who earn a wage, it’s payment, for everyone else it’s a gift.