Paul explains the five steps of God working in our lives. He knew us before we were born, he gave us the opportunity of salvation. He calls us. He has justified us and he will glorify us. Nothing can separate us from God - he is in control. God works everything for our good.

Paul uses several stories form the Old Testament to illustrate God’s choices which divided the nation right from the beginning. God chooses to show mercy to some and also chooses who to use for his purposes.

Paul used many examples from the Old Testament to further his argument that God did not choose all Israel. All the way through their history a remnant remained faithful. Just like the clay cannot question the potter’s decision, we cannot question God’s decisions.

Paul explains that Jesus is the culmination of the law. He outlines the process of sharing the gospel and comments on the response of the Jews and Gentiles at that time.

Paul is arguing against the rejection of the Jews. He uses an event in the life of Elijah to show that even in the darkest moments, there was a faithful remnant, the elect. Paul is an example of that as are the Apostles. God has made permanent covenants with his people that he cannot break.

Paul uses the image of the olive tree to explain how because of their unbelief, many Jews have been separated from the purposes of God and gentiles have been grafted into those purposes. He predicts a time when the Jewish nation will be fully included at a future time.

Paul explains that God has a future purpose for the Jewish nation that has been hidden but has been revealed to Paul - that great numbers of Jews will believe in Jesus as the Messiah, once the number of Gentiles to believe is completed.

Paul challenges the idea that there are some good, and some bad, people. He addresses those who judge others and says they are hypocrites. God will not judge people according to what they have done but rather the righteousness that comes by faith.

Paul highlights the value of the Old Testament, tracing the story of salvation from the covenant promise given to Abraham. Paul concludes his argument that all people need the gospel - Jew and Gentile alike.