The Jewish Advantage

Romans 3:1–8 (ESV) ¹Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? ²Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. ³What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? ⁴By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.” ⁵But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) ⁶By no means! For then how could God judge the world? ⁷But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? ⁸And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.

To better understand this passage we need to understand its context.  In chapter 1 verses 18 to 32 Paul was addressing a worldly individual possibly an atheist or agnostic definitely an idolater. The pious Jew looking on may have been tsking him or shaking his finger at him, had he been a Baptist he may have been saying Amen. But in chapter 2 Paul began to address this pious Jew or this religious person. He was rebuked for the fact that he had not responded to God's grace by repenting. He was challenged by the fact that though outwardly he appeared to be a Jew he was not circumcised of heart. If he would ever please God he had to be circumcised of heart by the Spirit.

Paul being a Jew understood the Jewish mindset he knew exactly what this pious Jew was thinking and in these verses in chapter 3 Paul begins to answer four arguments. The first of these questions was, "Is there an advantage to being a Jew?" Paul's answer was, " Yes, there are many advantages to being a Jew." The foremost advantage of being a Jew was that they were given the Scriptures. God had blessed them with his written word. It would be good to remember that Jesus said in Luke 12:48 and whomsoever much is given much shall be required."

The second argument Paul dealt with was whether or not the fact that some unbelievers would make God's faithfulness untrue. Paul replied that even though every man is a liar God is always truth. The third argument in this passage challenged Paul with the idea that man's unrighteousness would help display God's righteousness better. This is like the adage of today that says, “The end justifies the means”. God is always just as wrath in his judgment and he will judge the world in truth.  Therefore, we must choose to do right.

The final argument is similar with the idea of my life bringing glory to God because of God's truth. This is nothing more than antinomianism lawlessness. Paul's statement was that for these people,"Their condemnation is just."

Whether Jew or non-Jew we all stand accountable before a true God a righteous God holy God we will all give account for our actions for God will judge the truth and righteousness. I hope that you are ready to face Him face-to-face because you've placed your faith in the blood of Jesus Christ for salvation.