Romans 9:1-3: Paul and the Problem of the Jews

The shift from the end of Romans 8 to the start of chapter 9 is a plunge from the heights of Everest to the depths of the Marianas Trench, from ecstatic assurance to great sorrow. Romans 9:1-3 opens on Paul’s own anguished conscience, emotion, and even his wish concerning his fellow Jews who have not believed.