Question:
Could you kindly explain what Paul meant in Romans 9:3? Did he truly mean that he wished he did not know Christ because his brethren did not know Him?
Answer:
This scripture states: “For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” Paul’s longing for the salvation of his brethren was so intense that he would be willing to lose his own eternal life if it meant achieving the salvation of his people. However, he did not genuinely desire to be separated from Christ unless it would benefit his brethren. He felt that his entire being was consumed with the desire for their salvation. A similar sentiment was expressed by Moses when, in deep distress over the sins of the children of Israel, he said, “Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.” (Exodus 32:32). What a love for souls!
