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Verse Takeaways
1
The Potter's Rightful Authority
Commentators emphasize that the Greek word for 'power' (exousia) here means rightful authority, not just raw might. The analogy asserts God's sovereign right, as the Creator, to determine the purpose of His creation. This is not presented as an arbitrary act, but as a just prerogative that is beyond human questioning, similar to a potter's right over clay he is shaping.
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Romans
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Commentaries
9
Albert Barnes
On Romans 9:21
18th Century
Theologian
Does not the potter, etc.? This same sovereign right of God the apostle proceeds to urge from another illustration, and another passage fr…
AT Robertson
On Romans 9:21
Or hath not the potter a right over the clay? (η ουκ εχε εξουσιαν ο κεραμευς του πηλου?). This question, expecting an affirmative …
Charles Ellicott
On Romans 9:21
19th Century
Bishop
Hath not the potter . . .?—In strict logic, this verse would supply a confirmation, rather than a refutation, of the orig…
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Charles Spurgeon
On Romans 9:20–25
19th Century
Preacher
Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?
Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me…
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Romans 9:21
As he continues the review of God’s sovereign activity, Paul presents another problem. If God acts unilaterally, according to his own will and purp…
John Calvin
On Romans 9:21
16th Century
Theologian
Has not the worker of the clay? etc. The reason why what is formed ought not to contend with its maker is that the maker does nothing but …
John Gill
On Romans 9:21
17th Century
Pastor
Has not the potter power over the clay
By the power the potter has over the clay, to shape it in what form he pleases, and out…
Matthew Henry
On Romans 9:14–24
17th Century
Minister
Whatever God does, must be just. The way in which the holy, happy people of God differ from others, God's grace alone makes them differ. In this pr…