I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
Introduction to this Topic (Romans 9:1-5)
Too well aware that he was regarded as a traitor to the dearest interests of his people (Acts 21:33; Acts 22:22; Acts 25:24), the apostle opens this division of his subject by giving vent to his real feelings with extraordinary vehemence of protestation.
I say the truth in Christ - as if steeped in the spirit of Him who wept over impenitent and doomed Jeruasalem (cf. Romans 1:9; 2 Corinthians 12:19; Philippians 1:8),
I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit - q.d., 'my conscience as quickened, illuminated, and even now under the direct operation of the Holy Spirit.' Doubtless the apostle could speak thus as no uninspired Christian can. At the same time, it should not be forgotten that to speak and act "in Christ," with a conscience not only illuminated, but under the present operation of the Holy Spirit, is not special to the supernaturally inspired, but is the privilege, and ought to be the aim, of every believer.