“(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)”
Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God's purpose in election might stand, not on the basis of works but on the basis of him who calls—she was told, 'The older will serve the younger.' — God's προθέσις (prothesis, "purpose") in election is established beforehand, before works (πρὶν ἢ τι ἀγαθὸν ἢ κακὸν πράξαι, prin ē ti agathon ē kakon praxai, "before they did anything good or bad"). The ἵνα clause reveals the design: election is grounded in God's call, not human merit. Jacob, the younger, is chosen over Esau.
Church Fathers on Romans 9:11
“For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calls, it was said to her, the elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.” What was the cause then why one was loved and the other hated? Why was it that one served, the other was served? It was because one was wicked, and the other good. And yet the children being…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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