And just as you also, in times past, did not believe in God, but now you have obtained mercy because of their unbelief,
For the gifts and the call of God are without regret.
so also have these now not believed, for your mercy, so that they might obtain mercy also.
and that the Gentiles are to honor God because of his mercy, just as it was written: "Because of this, I will confess you among the Gentiles, O Lord, and I will sing to your name."
Now, concerning virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord. But I give counsel, as one who has obtained the mercy of the Lord, so as to be faithful.
Therefore, since we have this ministry, and in as much as we have obtained mercy for ourselves, we are not inadequate.
You, too, walked in these things, in times past, when you were living among them.
This precept I commend to you, my son Timothy, in accord with the prophets who preceded you: that you serve among them like a soldier in a good war,
But to whom did he swear that they would not enter into his rest, except to those who were incredulous?
Though in past times you were not a people, yet now you are the people of God. Though you had not obtained mercy, yet now you have obtained mercy.