Romans 9:1-5

¹ “I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying; my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, ² that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. ³ For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my countrymen, my kinsmen according to the flesh, ⁴ who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons and daughters, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the Law, the temple service, and the promises; ⁵ whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.”

Verse 1: Paul emphasizes the sincerity and truthfulness of his words. He assures the readers that what he is about to say is not a lie but a genuine expression of his heart. His conscience, guided by the Holy Spirit, affirms the truth of his message.

Verse 2: Paul reveals the deep emotional burden he carries for his fellow Israelites. He experiences great sorrow and unceasing anguish in his heart because he longs for their salvation. This demonstrates his genuine love and concern for his fellow Jews.

Verse 3: Paul expresses the depth of his love for his fellow Jews by stating that he would be willing to give up his own salvation if it meant that they could be saved. This statement highlights his selflessness and the extent to which he desires their salvation.

Verse 4: Paul acknowledges the unique privileges and blessings that the people of Israel have received from God. They were chosen as God’s special people, experiencing the adoption to sonship, witnessing the divine glory, receiving the covenants, the law, and the promises. These blessings were given to Israel as a testament to God’s faithfulness and His special relationship with them.

Verse 5: Paul highlights the significant role that Israel played in the lineage of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were part of Israel’s heritage, and it is through them that the human ancestry of the Messiah can be traced. Paul affirms that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, is not only a human descendant of Israel but is also God over all. He emphasizes the deity of Christ and praises him forever. This declaration underscores the significance of Israel’s role in God’s redemptive plan and the ultimate fulfillment of that plan in Jesus. The Messiah’s arrival is a testament to God’s faithfulness and His sovereign work in bringing salvation to all people.