In this and in the next verse, is a real answer to the cavil in Romans 9:19. The apostle having spoken before of God's absolute right and power over his creatures, to dispose of them at his pleasure, as the potter doth his clay; lest any should tax God with tyranny and partiality towards his creatures, he subjoineth the reasons of his different proceedings with the one and with the other. q.d. What hast thou to answer or object against God, if he take a severe course with some? Seeing:
1. He thereby manifesteth his great displeasure against sin, and his power to take vengeance of sinners. Seeing:
2. He bears long with them in their sins; exerciseth great patience towards them in the midst of their provocations, giving them space to repent, if they call or will. And seeing:
3. They are vessels of wrath, fitted to destruction; partly by themselves, and their own sensual courses; partly by God's righteous judgment, who gives them up thereunto.