Audio commentary on this verse

Note 6 at Ro 9:33: Those who are offended at Jesus are the ones who are trusting in themselves. They feel they will be accepted with God because they think they are holy enough on their own. It is humbling to admit that all of our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isa 64:6). This is why the religious people have always been the persecutors of true Christians (see note 6 at Mr 15:10).

Note 7 at Ro 9:33: This quotation does not appear in the Old Testament in these exact words. It is most probable that Paul was quoting the last part of Isa 28:16. If so, Paul substituted the words "be ashamed" for Isaiah's words, "make haste." In the context of war, making haste is descriptive of a person who has been shamed in battle.