In coming to Romans 9, we enter into a new section of this letter and one in which we encounter a dramatic shift emotionally. Paul has just lead us as readers into celebration of our security in the love of God. Here suddenly he speaks of having “great sorrow and unceasing anguish.” Why lies behind Paul’s deep heart ache? How does this new section of Romans fit with all that has preceded it? What is this all about? It is these questions that we will begin to explore as we study the opening verses of Romans 9.
