[1] I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, conscience witness in the Holy Ghost, [2] That great heaviness and continual sorrow in heart. [3] For I could wish that myself accursed from Christ for brethren, kinsmen according to the flesh: [4] Who Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; [5] Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. [6] Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: [7] Neither, because the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac seed be called. [8] They which are the children of the flesh, are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. [9] For this is the word of promise, At time will I come, and Sara a son. [10] And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, father Isaac; [11] (For not yet born, neither having done any good or that the purpose of God according to election might stand, [12] unto her, shall serve the younger. [13] As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. [14] What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. [15] For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. [16] So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. [17] For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for same purpose up, that I might shew power in and that name might be declared throughout all the earth. [18] Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.