For God hath shut up all unto disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all. "shut up" -4788. sugkleio soong-kli'-o; from 4862 and 2808; to shut together, i.e. include or (figuratively) embrace in. common subjection to: -conclude, inclose, shut up.

'We are not to understand by such phrases that God forced anyone to sin.' (McGuiggan p. 341) In chapter one we find that the Gentiles had all sorts of 'incentives' not to sin, the same was true for the Jewish nation (chapter Romans 3:1-2; Romans 9:1-5). But all have sinned (Romans 3:23) of their own choice, and God has lumped all into one category (Jews and Gentiles), i.e sinners (Romans 3:9). Why? That He might move all to repentance, so He can have mercy upon them.

'He counted all as disobedient (Romans 3:9). And for this reason he commands all men everywhere to repent (Romans 17:30-31)' (Whiteside p. 242)

This means that it is impossible for any man (Jew or Gentile) to merit his own salvation. Hence all need Jesus Christ, therefore the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation for all that believe (Romans 1:16).

"mercy upon all" -'That is, upon all without distinction rather than all without exception.' (F.F. Bruce p. 224) Both Jews and Gentiles need saving, and the condition for receiving God's mercy is the same for both, an obedient faith. Hence Paul has proven his premise in Romans 1:16.

A HYMN OF PRAISE TO GOD: Romans 11:33-36

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Old Testament