Paul opens this new section of his letter to the Romans with a revelation about himself so shocking he feels the need to assure them he is not lying or self-deceived. He says, "I am telling the truth in Christ," meaning he is conscious that Jesus will judge the truthfulness of what he is saying (Gal 1:20). Then he adds that both his human conscience and the Holy Spirit within him bear witness it's true. And what is this revelation about himself that needs such confirmation for us to believe it? It is that he lives in a constant state of grief over Judaism's widespread rejection of Christ. He says his compassion for his brethren is so strong it led him to do the unthinkable. There had been times when he tried to bargain with God on their behalf asking that whatever curse had fallen on Judaism be transferred to him so they would again be given mercy. If it could be done (which it can't), he would have willingly forfeited his own eternal life in order to save his "brothers," his "kinsmen according to the flesh." His literal words are, "For I was praying myself to be accursed (anathema) from Christ on behalf of my brothers...." Knowing how confident he was of eternal life (Ac 9:3-8; 2Co 12:1-4; Php 1:21-24), the thought that he would even consider such an exchange Is breathtaking. Few of us love even family members to this degree, let alone our persecutors.

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