10 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire^(A) and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.

²⁰ To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews.^(A) To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law),^(B) so as to win those under the law. ²¹ To those not having the law I became like one not having the law^(C) (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law),^(D) so as to win those not having the law. ²² To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.^(E) I have become all things to all people^(F) so that by all possible means I might save some.^(G)

Paul’s Anguish Over Israel

9 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying,^(A) my conscience confirms^(B) it through the Holy Spirit— ² I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. ³ For I could wish that I myself^(C) were cursed^(D) and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people,^(E) those of my own race,^(F)

³⁴ Not that I accept human testimony;^(A) but I mention it that you may be saved.^(B)

¹³ Remember^(A) your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self:^(B) ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars^(C) in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land^(D) I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’”

³⁴ “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings,^(A) and you were not willing.

²³ As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray^(A) for you. And I will teach^(B) you the way that is good and right.