Much in Every Way
Romans 3:1-2
“Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.” -Romans 3:1–2
Since Paul has now sufficiently proved that circumcision did not make the Jews superior to the Gentiles, he must address the natural implications of his argument. Then what’s the point of being a Jew?
Though circumcision itself did not add merit to their personal standing before the holiness of God, there must be some advantage or benefit of being a Jew. Since such a separation from the Gentiles was God’s design, what value does circumcision have?
Paul’s response is “Much in every way.” Then he enumerates the Jew’s advantage, beginning with the chief benefit. The Jews were entrusted with revelation. They were given the oracles of God. Or to put it in the words of John Calvin, “God had deposited with them the treasure of celestial wisdom.”
By the grace and mercy of God, he chose the Jew and set him apart for his priestly purposes. “and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”” -Exodus 19:6
While this position did not by itself automatically warrant the Jew’s salvation or absolve him of his sins, it did put him in a privileged position among men—a position which would, by its virtue alone, add to his responsibility, not alleviate him of it.
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