“So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”
For Scripture says to Pharaoh: 'I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.' — The citation of Exodus 9:16 illustrates negative election: Pharaoh is raised up (ἀνίστημι, anisthēmi) to display God's δύναμις (dynamis, "power") and spread his κλέος (kleos, "name/fame"). Pharaoh's hardening becomes the occasion for God's power's manifestation. Even resistance serves God's purpose.
Church Fathers on Romans 9:16
“So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy. For the Scripture says unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.” As then in the one case, he means, some were saved and some were punished, so here also. This man was reserved for this very purpose. And then he again urges the objection.
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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