Whenever Paul thinks about his own people, his heart is heavy with sorrow. Numerous Gentiles are being saved while most Jews are rejecting the gospel. Did God fail in his promise to save the Israelites? In chapters 9 to 11, Paul explains that the hardening of Israel is part of God’s plan for their restoration. God is creating a new humanity out of Jews and Gentiles, chosen not by their works, but by God’s sovereign mercy.