Romans 9:1

I say the truth. Paul now turns from the triumphant and joyful climax of chapter 8 to consider a problem that fills him with “great heaviness and continual sorrow” (Romans 9:2). Why is it that the Jews, God’s chosen people, have so largely rejected the gospel? If the gospel brings sure salvation to God’s elect, why are His chosen people Israel not found among the heirs of this salvation? If the good news of salvation is the fulfillment of the promises made to Israel, then surely it should meet with the approval of those for whom it was especially intended. But instead, it has stirred most of them to bitter opposition.

Paul has been preparing the way for his discussion of this difficult and delicate question by stressing the fact that, though the gospel is for both Jew and Gentile, it is for the Jew first (Romans 1:16; 2:10). He has also emphasized that God is no respecter of persons (Romans 2:11) and that the Jews, especially, have been guilty of sin (vs. 17-24). He has devoted a whole chapter to proving that the gospel of salvation by faith is well supported by the OT (chapter 4). In Romans 3:1 he even began to consider the problem directly, but his full discussion of the question has been reserved for chapters 9; 10; 11.

First, Paul affirms his love and sorrow for his own people (Romans 9:1-3). He then declares that the cause of their rejection is not the failure of God’s promises to them (vs. 6-13). Nor is there any injustice on the part of God in this matter (vs. 14—29). The fault lies in their own rejection of “the righteousness which is of faith” (Romans 9:30 to 10:21). But Paul does not describe their condition as hopeless. He goes on to speak of the salvation of “a remnant according to the election of grace” (Romans 11:1—10), and of the acceptance of the Gentiles (vs. 11-22), all of which is evidence of the wisdom and glory of God (vs. 33—36).

In Christ. Paul appeals to his experience as one united with Christ, as evidence of the truthfulness of what he is about to say (cf. 2 Cor. 2:17).

I lie not. Compare 2 Cor. 11:31; Gal. 1:20; 1 Tim. 2:7. Paul was well aware that many of his fellow Jews regarded him as a traitor (Acts 21:28; 22:22; 25:24). His frequent conflicts with Jews and Judaizers naturally cast doubt upon his love for his own nation. Therefore, he expresses the sincerity of his concern for his people in these strong terms.

Conscience. See on Romans 2:15; cf. Acts 23:1; 24:16.

Bearing me witness. The same verb is used in chapters 2:15; 8:16.

In the Holy Ghost. That is, in the Holy Spirit (see on Romans 5:5). Paul has spoken of the union of the believer with the Spirit of God (Romans 8:9, 11, 16). The Holy Spirit is “the Spirit of truth” (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13), and the witness of a conscience enlightened by Him and acting under His influence must be a true and safe guide.