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Paul is writing primarily to establish proper behavior for the gentiles coming into the faith of Israel. Many of these gentiles were coming into their Messianic faith directly from a pagan background, which had little regard, if not even contempt, for anything "Jewish." The basis of his teaching is that Jews and gentiles will honor God together as one "body" or "building." For the gentiles this is to be done through obedience to a specific teaching (the obedience of faith).
Paul was a Torah-observant rabbi and Pharisee, who diligently worked to bring gentiles into the faith of Israel in the way prescribed by the Jerusalem council (Acts 15), and his (correct) understanding of the Shema and Torah.
His desire in Romans is that the faithfulness of God to Israel would be followed by mercy of God to the gentiles. He knows that great numbers of gentiles coming to faith in the God of Israel would be proof to those Jews still "stumbling" over Yeshua, the validity of His Messiahship (and of Paul's ministry!) The unbelieving Jews would then see that faith in Yeshua establishes Torah (Romans 3:31) and does not conflict with it. Paul hopes that by this process, all Israel would be saved.
[h=3]Romans 9[/h]Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
9 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, [SUP]2 [/SUP]that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
Paul adds the utmost emphasis to what he is about to say. He is continuing a thought from 8:28, which has much to do with Israel specifically.
[SUP]3 [/SUP]For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: [SUP]4 [/SUP]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; [SUP]5 [/SUP]whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
Paul still considers the Jews who do not yet accept Yeshua/Jesus as Messiah to be his brethren, and also the chosen people of God (regardless of their continued unbelief). His comments are rooted in 1st Samuel, which make clear that Israel will always remain God's chosen people:
1st Samuel 12:20-23 -And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people. Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
Paul's words about himself, "being accursed," may compare to those of Moses', when he prayed for Israel after they had grievously sinned against God:
Paul was a Torah-observant rabbi and Pharisee, who diligently worked to bring gentiles into the faith of Israel in the way prescribed by the Jerusalem council (Acts 15), and his (correct) understanding of the Shema and Torah.
His desire in Romans is that the faithfulness of God to Israel would be followed by mercy of God to the gentiles. He knows that great numbers of gentiles coming to faith in the God of Israel would be proof to those Jews still "stumbling" over Yeshua, the validity of His Messiahship (and of Paul's ministry!) The unbelieving Jews would then see that faith in Yeshua establishes Torah (Romans 3:31) and does not conflict with it. Paul hopes that by this process, all Israel would be saved.
[h=3]Romans 9[/h]Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
9 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, [SUP]2 [/SUP]that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
Paul adds the utmost emphasis to what he is about to say. He is continuing a thought from 8:28, which has much to do with Israel specifically.
[SUP]3 [/SUP]For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: [SUP]4 [/SUP]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; [SUP]5 [/SUP]whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
Paul still considers the Jews who do not yet accept Yeshua/Jesus as Messiah to be his brethren, and also the chosen people of God (regardless of their continued unbelief). His comments are rooted in 1st Samuel, which make clear that Israel will always remain God's chosen people:
1st Samuel 12:20-23 -And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people. Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
Paul's words about himself, "being accursed," may compare to those of Moses', when he prayed for Israel after they had grievously sinned against God:
Exodus 32:31-32 - And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
Even the casual observer can surely see what great love for God and for Israel these men of the Bible possessed. I am reminded of this verse:
[h=3]Hebrews 11:38[/h]NASB
[SUP]38 [/SUP](men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes [SUP][a][/SUP]in the ground.
Even the casual observer can surely see what great love for God and for Israel these men of the Bible possessed. I am reminded of this verse:
[h=3]Hebrews 11:38[/h]NASB
[SUP]38 [/SUP](men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes [SUP][a][/SUP]in the ground.