Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation.
1. We here see with what solicitude the holy man obviated offenses; for in order to soften whatever sharpness there may have been in his manner of explaining the rejection of the Jews, he still testifies, as before, his goodwill towards them, and proves it by the effect; for their salvation was an object of concern to him before the Lord, and such a feeling arises only from genuine love.
Paul's heart's desire and prayer for the Jews was their salvation, not a formal wish, but a real breathing out of the soul before God. Though he preached against their error, he prayed for them with strength and sincerity, as God Himself wills that none should perish.
AI summary
Commenting on Romans 10:1-11
Brethren, my heart's desire,.... The apostle having suggested, that a few of the Jews only should be called and saved; that the far greater part should be rejected; that the Israelites who sought for righteousness did not attain it when the Gentiles did, but stumbled and fell at Christ, and would be ashamed and confounded; and knowing the prejudices of that people against him, therefore...