Romans 3:1-8

Jewish Protests Silenced.

Romans 3:1. What then, it is asked, is the advantage of being a Jew, etc.?

Romans 3:2. Much, Paul replies, in every way: to begin with, they were entrusted with the oracles of God (this implies a faith-relationship)a trust not voided by the infidelity of some. Some, for numbers do not count; the heritage of faith is transmitted through the remnant (see Romans 9:6, etc.).Nay (to use the language of the Pss.), God will show Himself true, though every man prove false, etc.

Romans 3:5. A further protest: But if our unrighteousness serves to commend God's righteousness (as you maintain), is God, who inflicts the wrath you speak of, unjust like that punishing those who have helped to glorify Him? Paul apologises for repeating the impudent question: I say it as a man as men might and do say.

Romans 3:6 is his reply: Far be the thought; for in that case how will God judge the world? the world's sin would then go scot-free, for it also illustrates God's righteousness.

Romans 3:7 f. The objector persists; But if (as you implied) my lie has redounded to God's glory, why am I too, after that, judged like a common sinner? To the Pharisee, the idea of his being classed with sinners was monstrous (see Luke 7:36; Luke 15:1 f., etc.). The question is answered by its ironical continuation: And why not. as some people affirm that we (Christians) say, Let us do evil, etc.? This defence is its own condemnation. The Jew makes no reply on the matters of fact alleged in ch. 2; in arrest of judgment he pleads hereditary privilege, and the tending of his misdoing to the greater glory of God.