What Old Testament prophecy does Paul quote in Romans 9:25?
In Romans 9:25, Paul quotes the Old Testament prophecy of Hosea, saying, "I will call them my people, who were not my people, and her beloved, who was not beloved." This citation is part of Paul's argument about Israel's past and God's prior knowledge.
Les explains that in Romans chapter 9, Paul is still dealing with Israel's past, so he naturally dips back into the Old Testament because Israel's dilemma was prophesied. God knew Israel would be blind and would not recognize her Messiah even when He came. In verse 25, Paul references the old prophecy of Hosea: "I will call them my people, who were not my people, and her beloved, who was not beloved." Les notes this is to pick up what Paul or Hosea was referring to, and he points back to Acts where the great council settled the controversy about Paul going to Gentiles. The passage fits Paul's broader argument that there is no difference today—Jew and Gentile approach God on the same basis—and that God is not through with Israel, whose covenant promises will yet be fulfilled after He is through dealing with the Gentile church.
As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.
And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.