Verse 10.— Which in time past were not a people. All those called out of darkness in the time passed, while in that darkness were not the people of God, but were worshipers of idols. Which had not obtained mercy. That is, in the time passed mercy had not been offered and its benefits were not yet received by you, but now the foundation stone is laid, and mercy has been tendered you, and by you accepted. You are now as living stones in the temple. You are God's children and members of the church.