Romans 3:1-2: Then What Advantage Has The Jew?

Romans 3:1–2
[1] Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? [2] Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. (ESV)

In the previous verses the Apostle Paul has been pretty harsh on his own people. He has pointed out that many of the Jews were nothing but hypocrites. They received the Law and held that fact over the heads of their Gentile counterparts. Instead of themselves obeying the Law, they lived just as ungodly as the Gentiles they were judging.

So, what advantage is there in being a Jew? That is a fair question. The Jews have suffered more persecution than any people group in the history of the world. Even after the terrible holocaust in the last century we still see the Jews fighting for their lives in the Middle East. Anti-semitism seems like it will never go away.

So, what is the advantage? Paul answers his own question. There is much advantage! The Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. What does that mean? Consider that God created the world and fine-tuned this universe so that people on this planet could survive and thrive. He loved them so much that he wanted to communicate with them. Who did he choose to give his sacred words? The Jews!

The Jews received the Law through Moses. God revealed his truth directly to a chosen group of people. Yes, they failed to live up to the Law of God. They rebelled against Moses and wandered in the desert for forty years. Yet, God chose them. He loves them. And when God chose to send his very Son to this earth he was born as a Jew. What a blessed heritage.

I praise God for the Jewish people. I trace my spiritual heritage to them. I am grateful that God chose to reveal himself to the Jews, and ultimately to all people. Praise God!