²¹ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?^(A)

²² What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience^(B) the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction?^{(C) 23} What if he did this to make the riches of his glory^(D) known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory^(E)—

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay^(A) to show that this all-surpassing power is from God^(B) and not from us.

²⁰ In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.^(A)

²¹ Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.^(A)