Romans 9:1-5
Chapter 9
1
The Situation of Israel
I sincerely tell you, in Christ, and my conscience assures me through the Holy Spirit that I am not lying:2
I have deep sadness and constant anguish for the Jews.
3
I would even prefer that I myself suffer the curse of being cut off from Christ rather than my brethren—I mean my own people, my kin.
4
They are Israelites whom God adopted, and on them rests his glory. Theirs are the covenants, the law, the worship, and the promises of God.
5
They are descendants of the patriarchs, and from their lineage, Christ was born—he who, as God, is above all distinctions. Blessed be He forever and ever: Amen!
Commentaries
The Situation of Israel.
The flow of the discussion is interrupted, and Paul dedicates three chapters to the destiny of Israel. To him, it is puzzling that his people, after centuries of waiting for the Messiah, did not welcome him when He arrived. The solemn oath with which the Apostle begins his “dialogue” with Jewish religious history could serve as a Christian example for any beginning of interreligious dialogue. He swears to speak honestly, “as a Christian, without lying” (1), and to be entirely in accord with his people and his race. If he is an apostle to the Gentiles, he is also a brother to the Jews. His words are filled with deep family affection and a strong sense of solidarity that leads him to boldly say that he would be willing, like Christ, to become a “curse” (cf. 1 Cor 12:3; Gal 3:13; Ex 32:32) to save his people (3).