Romans 8:28

Called] see on Romans 1:6. According to his purpose] cp. Romans 9:11.

St. Paul does not say that Gods purpose is to save some and reject others, but 'that he might have mercy upon all' (Romans 11:32). In pursuance of this purpose first the Jews, and then Christians, specially Gentile Christians, were called to hold and spread the divine knowledge. Among those who had been called were those to whom the Epistle was addressed. St. Paul encourages them in their trials by the thought that God would not forsake those who had been so called by Him, and that, as to His favour, they were safe. On the other hand, he does not say that they could not rebel against God or forsake Him. On the contrary, he warns them against such presumptuous thoughts (Romans 11:20.).