Paul's Burden

Question: In Romans 9:3 why would Paul rather lose his salvation for the sake of his brothers?

Answer:

Paul was deeply burdened by the fact that that Israelites had rejected Jesus Christ as the Messiah. They were cut off from God by virtue of rejecting His offer of love. Paul had a great longing in his heart to see them come to Christ. In order to express this pain he states in Rom 9:3, "For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race,".

What Paul means is that he would do anything in order to see his own people come to Christ. If need be he would give up his own salvation, his most prized possession in order to see his people get saved. It is just a style of language to show his deep concern and willingness to do anything for his people. Paul was expressing the deep anguish of his heart. It is similar to Moses when he told the LORD in Exodus 32:32 to blot out his name for the sake of his people. It is truly amazing to see Paul's burden and commitment to see the lost come to the saving knowledge of Christ.