Because though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God, nor were they thankful to him; but became perverse in their reasonings, and their senseless minds were darkened;

And as they did not choose to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do things which are shameful;

nor did he waver in respect to the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

Did then that which is good become death to me? Far be it! but sin; that it might become manifest as sin, causing death to me by means of that which is good; that sin by means of the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.

For ye did not receive the spirit of bondage so as to be again in fear; but ye received the spirit of adopted children, whereby we cry, Abba, Father!

For the Scripture saith to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose did I raise thee up, that I might show forth my power in thee, and that my name might be made known in all the earth."

What then shall we say? That the gentiles, who did not strive after righteousness, obtained righteousness, but a righteousness which is of faith;

while Israel, which strove after a law of righteousness, did not attain to a law of righteousness.

Why? Because they did not strive for it by faith, but as being by works. For they stumbled against the stone of stumbling;

But they did not all hearken to the glad tidings. For Isaiah saith, "Lord, who hath believed what he hath heard from us?"

But I say, Did they not hear? Yes truly, "Their voice went forth into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world."

What Israel seeketh after, that Israel did not obtain; but the elect obtained it, and the rest were hardened;

I say then, Did they stumble in order to fall? God forbid! But by their offence salvation is come to the gentiles to excite them to emulation.

For Christ did not seek his own pleasure, but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me."