Have you ever wondered what Paul’ s hearers might have been initially thinking with this passage? What do you think their reaction was when Paul tells them that“… I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Messiah for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh,”( Romans 9:3)?
I’ ve spent time pondering these questions and have come to the conclusion that, at the very least, Paul’ s proclamation would have touched their hearts because we know how deeply these believers loved and cared for him. Although it is not in the passage, I feel quite confident of their reaction to Paul. Out of their great appreciation and respect for their Emissary, how else would they have reacted but by expressing something like this,
“ Paul tell us, in all your sorrow and in such anguish, what can we do, we are here wanting to be of help!” I also feel sure that their reaction included that of holy tears.
As to some evidence of this being their reaction, we find Paul lovingly instructing and exhorting these Gentile believers about a very special calling they have to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel. He explains this important calling will bring about untold blessing upon the world. Paul shares this high ministry calling in Romans 11:13-15 stating,
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