Where should you look to understand Paul's reference to Hosea in Romans 9?
To understand Paul’s reference to Hosea in Romans 9, look back to the book of Acts, specifically the great council that settled the controversy over Paul’s ministry to Gentiles. That historical setting clarifies how God was calling a people not His own.
Les explains that Romans 9 deals with Israel’s past, and Paul dips back into the Old Testament because Israel’s dilemma was prophesied. God knew Israel would be blind and not recognize her Messiah. In verse 25, Paul quotes Hosea: “I will call them my people, who were not my people, and her beloved, who was not beloved.” To pick up what Paul or Hosea was referring to, Les directs us back to Acts, where the great council tried to settle the controversy about Paul going to Gentiles, while Jewish believers in Jerusalem thought he was way out in left field. That background helps clarify the calling of a people not previously God’s people.