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using these terms? The same two words here translated “prepared” is in the pas-
are found in 2 Timothy 2:20: “But in a sive voice, Paul does not say that God has
great house there are not only vessels of prepared them for destruction. This is also
gold and of silver, but also of wood and seen in the case of Judas Iscariot. The Lord
of earth; and some to honour, and some Jesus chose Judas to be one of the apostles,
to dishonour.” What is meant by “some knowing that he would be the betrayer.
to honour, and some to dishonour”? The However, the choice to betray the Lord
vessels “to honour” in this illustration are was Judas’ alone. The Lord knew that he
the “vessels of gold and of silver.” On the would do it but never made him do it.
other hand, “some to dishonour” refers Covetousness was what prompted Judas
to the vessels “of wood and of earth.” to betray the Lord. So it is here; the cause
The word translated “dishonour” is the of their destruction comes from their own
negative of the word “honour” and would resistance to God. So then, God has every
be better translated “without honour.”
The vessels of wood and earth were not right to punish those who choose to turn
dishonourable; they were just not appro- away from Him.
priate to be put on the dining table of “a On the other hand, Paul declares that
great house.” However, they were per- God has the right to “make known the
fectly suitable to be used by the staff in the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy,
kitchen. In our present verse (Rom 9:21), which he had afore prepared unto glory”
it would be better to translate the words (v23). While in verse 22 we are not told
as “honour and without honour.” In other who prepared the objects of wrath for
words, the potter has the right to produce destruction, in verse 23 we are clearly in-
vessels for aesthetic purposes and others formed that God has prepared the objects
for common practical purposes. of mercy for glory. Verse 24 goes on to tell
Now notice the opening words of verse us that we, as believers in the Lord Jesus,
22: “What if God, willing to shew his whether Jews or Gentiles, are the objects
wrath …” The verb translated “willing” is of mercy.
not as strong as the noun translated “will” What follows in verses 25-26 are two
in verse 19. The Greek word used in verse quotations from Hosea, put together as
19 is a very strong word and expresses though they were one. Paul’s use of these
God’s sovereign power. But the word Scriptures is by way of application, not
used here, particularly in this context, has interpretation. The quotation in verse 25
the idea of willingness to do something,
though not necessarily desiring to do so. is taken from Hosea 2:23, while verse 26
The NASB states this more clearly, “What is taken from Hosea 1:10. In both verses
if God, although willing to demonstrate Israel’s ultimate redemption is in view.
His wrath and to make His power known, This is made obvious by the beginning of
endured with great patience objects of Hosea 1:10, which reads, “Yet the number
wrath prepared for destruction?” God’s of the children of Israel shall be as the sand
reaction to those who resent His interfer- of the sea.” However, Paul applies this
ence in their affairs is that He “endured principle to all who will believe, whether
[them] with great patience.” Paul de- Jew or Gentile. Reception into the family
scribes these people as “objects of wrath of God is based on faith in Christ, not
prepared for destruction.” While the verb nationality.

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