I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
Who are the true Israelites? Many people and even Christians believe the Jews are the chosen people of God. Why would God cause his chosen people to suffer so much? They suffer on account of their sins, this is the same reason all people suffer. The chosen race of God is the Children of Abraham. It is the offspring born of the tribe of Judah who is born King of the Jews.
St Paul speaks the truth about Christ. Christ is born as a fellow Jew. He is a son of Israel. Christ belongs to the patriarchs and to the sons of Eber. Jesus Christ is an Israelite and our fellow brother. He has made us Israelites and sons of Abraham. But the problem is Christians do not think of themselves as Jews or Israelites.
St Paul wants to remind us that we are all children of the promise. We are made Israelites and adopted sons of Eber. We are made a part of the Covenant promise. Who are the true Israelites? Who are the chosen people of God? These are the children of the promise. These are the children of the Patriarchs. These are the redeemed children of God. All who believe in Jesus Christ are fellow kinsmen.
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