9:1
There are a variety of views on the place of chapters 9-11 in Romans. Some see these chapters as a digression or even as something that was not part of the original letter, but such a view is not much in favour these days. Other see it as the centrepiece of Paul’s argument. A more balanced approach is to view it as an integral part of Paul’s argument. Back in chapter 3 he started to list one of the advantages of being a Jew, gave one such advantage and then went off into the wonderful content of chapters 3-8. So he is now returning to that theme. Moreover, at the end of chapter 8 he has been extolling God’s faithfulness and how absolutely nothing can separate us from God’s love. That raises the question, “what about Israel?” Israel and its place in God’s plans can be a vexed question among Christians, these three chapters help us to see the place that Israel has. These chapters are also much beloved of Calvinists. We will try and look at these chapters and let them speak for themselves.
Paul declares that he is speaking the truth and that what he says is his genuine feelings and thoughts.
9:2
Sol what are Paul’s thoughts and feelings? He is full of sorrow and anguish. If we try and read Paul’s writings as a mere academic piece of work we will never understand him properly. The letters were written with great learning and insight, but they were also written with great emotion as well and to appreciate and understand them fully we need to bear this in mind.
9:3
Paul’s attitude to Israel’s rebellion against God is similar to that of Moses. On a number of occasions Moses pleaded with God for Him to spare Israel, Paul has the same attitude. Paul still had an affection for Israel and its people, so much so that he would be cut-off from Christ if that would save them. Of course, Jesus did become a curse so that we were saved.
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