who formerly were not a people but now are the people of God, who had not received mercy, but now have received mercy.
But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says: "I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, by an unintelligent nation I will anger you."
For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now you were shown mercy through their disobedience,
Now concerning virgins, I have no command of the Lord; but I give judgment, as having received mercy by the Lord to be faithful.
I, who was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I was shown mercy because, being ignorant, I did it in unbelief,
Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.