What shall we hence conclude? that the Gentiles who sought not after justice, have obtained justice, even to that which is by faith:

but Israel, who sought after a law of justification, has not attained to a law of justification.

Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

For because they were ignorant of God's righteousness, and sought to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit themselves to the righteousness of God.

But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.

What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking [that is, God’s favor by obedience to the Law], but the elect [those chosen few] obtained it, while the rest of them became hardened and callously indifferent;