Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 9:1

1. I Say the truth in Christ , I lye not , my conscience also bearing me witness in the holy Ghost .

Or by Christ: So the word (in) is taken, Mat. 5.34, 35, 36. This is the Form of an Oath, which the Scripture elsewhere useth in matters of Importance, vid. Gen. 22.16. Dan. 12.7. and Ephes. 4.17.

This is added for Confirmation, or to gain the greater Credit to what he said or swore. It was the manner of the Hebrews to an Affirmative, to add a Negative, vid. 1 Sam. 3.18. Iohn 1.20.

As being for this purpose placed in Man by God, and is instead of a thousand Witnesses.

i. e. In the presence of the Holy Ghost, who is Privy to what I say, and who is a Witness also to the Truth thereof; Or, as some by the Guidance of the Holy Ghost, who cannot Lye.

The Apostle being about to Treat of the Rejection of the Iews, and the Calling of the Gentiles: Before he enters upon it, he premiseth a Preface to prepare the Minds of the Iews, to a patient Reading or Hearing the same: And in this Preface, he solemnly Protesteth his Love to his Nation; and his hearty Grief for their Rejection, that so it might the better appear, that these things were not Written out of any Spleen or Malice, but out of Conscience towards God and the Truth.

Marginal references: Chap. 1.9. 2 Cor. 1.23. & 11.31. Gal. 1.20. Phil. 1.8. 2 Tim. 2.7.