Romans 9

I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.

For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son.

And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;

(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.

As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?

Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?

Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:

And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.

And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.

And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.

Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

What does Romans 9:1 mean?

Explanation

Romans 9:1 is a deeply personal statement from the Apostle Paul expressing the sincerity of his emotions regarding the spiritual state of his fellow Israelites.

He emphasizes the truth of his words by making a solemn declaration in Christ, indicating that he speaks with absolute honesty and not falsehood.

He underscores his statement by invoking his conscience, which he describes as bearing him witness through the Holy Spirit.

This suggests that his conscience is clean and that he is under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, thus further affirming the truthfulness and sincerity of his statement.

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

The Book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 56-58 while he was in Corinth, during his third missionary journey.

The letter is addressed to the Christian church in Rome, which consisted of both Jewish and Gentile believers.

In Romans Chapter 9, Paul begins a discussion on the sorrowful condition of Israel, who, despite being chosen by God and having received numerous blessings and promises, largely rejected Jesus as the Messiah.

The historical context includes the Jews' expectation of a conquering Messiah, which led to their struggle in accepting Jesus' suffering, crucifixion, and call to universal salvation.

Theological Insights

Theologically, the verse introduces the concept of apostolic authority and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in teaching and preaching.

Paul's declaration in Christ, and reference to the Holy Spirit, underscores the Trinitarian belief in Christianity.

His conscience, influenced by the Holy Spirit, represents an inner moral compass that aligns with divine truth.

This serves as foundational evidence for his deep concern for Israel's spiritual condition and the authenticity of his apostolic mission.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Romans 9:1 encourages Christians to seek truthfulness in their expressions, making sure their conscience is clear before God and man.

It also emphasizes the need for sincerity in sharing one's faith or concerns.

Individuals are called to align their sentiments with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to evaluate their motives, ensuring that they reflect the character and compassion of Christ.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 1:23: "Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth."
1 Timothy 2:7: "Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity."
2 Corinthians 11:31: "The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not."

Language Study

The key terms in Romans 9:1 in the original Greek text include:

"I speak the truth" (Greek: "alētheian legō"): This phrase emphasizes Paul's commitment to honesty.
"In Christ" (Greek: "en Christō"): Denotes speaking with the authority and in union with Christ's character.
"My conscience" (Greek: "syneidēsis"): Refers to one's moral awareness and judgment.
"Bearing me witness" (Greek: "symmartyre"): Implies collaborating or co-testifying to the truth.
"In the Holy Ghost" (Greek: "en Pneumati Hagio"): Speaking by the influence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient religions and cultures, the concept of inner moral consciousness and divine guidance is not unique to Christianity. For instance, in Stoicism, the idea of living in accordance with one's conscience and nature was emphasized.

However, the Christian concept of the Holy Spirit as an active and divine presence guiding a person's conscience is distinctive.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the concept of conscience has been studied in psychology as part of moral reasoning and development.

Though scientific perspectives typically do not address spiritual aspects like the Holy Spirit, they acknowledge that factors such as upbringing, societal norms, and personal beliefs influence one's conscience.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer insight on Romans 9:1:

John Stott sees Paul's assertion as the profound struggle between his delight in the gospel and his unrelieved agony for his fellow Jews.
F.F.

Bruce regards this statement as establishing the earnestness of Paul's subsequent discourse.

Douglas Moo suggests Paul is stressing the consistency of his apostolic ministry and his profound sorrow for Israel's unbelief, acknowledging the inherent tension in this dual reality.
N.T.

Wright emphasizes the trinitarian aspect, acknowledging Paul's ministry as rooted in a profound experience of the God of Israel, now understood through Jesus and the Spirit.

Romans 9

Romans 9

What does Romans 9:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Romans 9:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?