Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary (4 vols)

Romans 10:1

Romans 10:1. Brethren. This term of affection, though not addressed to Jewish readers, was probably suggested by Paul's feeling toward them; his severity was consistent with love; comp. Romans 9:1, etc., 1 Corinthians 9:20; Galatians 3:15.

The desire, lit., ‘good pleasure,' not, ‘good will;' the latter sense does not suit the context. ‘Desire' is not exact, yet probably suggests the true sense: the salvation of Israel was the ideal of his heart (Godet). A Greek particle occurs here, which implies that this verse presents the first member of a contrast; the corresponding word is not found in what follows, but the contrasted thought is evidently expressed in Romans 10:3.

Of my heart qualifies ‘desire' only.

And my petition to God. ‘Prayer' is not so exact as ‘petition;' ‘to God' is to be joined with ‘petition' (as an incorrect reading indicates), and not with ‘is,' which must be supplied in English (see below).

On their behalf, or, ‘for them.' The word ‘Israel' is poorly supported, and was substituted for ‘them,' as an explanatory gloss, since a church lesson began here. The correct reading shows the intimate connection of thought with the close of chap. 9.

Is for their salvation. ‘Is' must be supplied, since the best authorities omit it. ‘Their salvation' (lit., ‘unto salvation') expresses the sense which the E. V. expands into: ‘that they might be saved.' Their salvation is the end (ideal) of his ‘good pleasure,' and this he asks God to grant. The mixture of these two ideas need occasion no difficulty when it is remembered that in the New Testament the combined purpose and purport of prayers are usually introduced by the word meaning ‘in order that.'

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Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary (4 vols)

Romans 10:1

Old Testament

New Testament