“For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.”
Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. — The conclusion: mercy is God's exclusive domain; hardening (σκληρύνω, sklērynō) is also divine action. Both are expressions of sovereign will. The question of human responsibility remains suspended; the text emphasizes divine prerogative.
Church Fathers on Romans 9:17
“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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