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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 3:1-18

I. Here the apostle answers several objections, which might be made, to clear his way. No truth so plain and evident but wicked wits and corrupt carnal hearts will have something to say against it; but divine truths must be cleared from cavil. Object. 1. If Jew and Gentile stand so much upon the same level before God, what advantage then hath the Jew? Hath not God often spoken with a great deal of respect for the Jews, as a non-such people (Deut. 33:29), a holy nation, a peculiar treasure, the... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 3:1-8

3:1-8 What, then, is the something plus which belongs to a Jew? Or what special advantage belongs to those who have been circumcised? Much in every way. In the first place, there is this advantage--that the Jews have been entrusted with the oracles of God. Yes, you say, but what if some of them were unfaithful to them? Surely you are not going to argue that their infidelity invalidates the fidelity of God? God forbid! Let God be shown to be true, though every man be shown to be a liar, as it... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 3:1

What advantage then hath the Jew ?.... If he is not properly a Jew, who is born of Jewish parents, and brought up in the customs, rites, and religion of the Jewish nation, but anyone of whatsoever nation, that is born again of water, and of the Spirit; where is the superior excellency of the Jew to the Gentile? A man may as well be born and brought up a Heathen as a Jew; the one has no more advantages than the other by his birth and education: it may be rendered, "what hath the Jew more?" or... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:1

Jew. What advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision? - As if he had said: You lately allowed, ( Romans 2:25 ;), that circumcision verily profited; but if circumcision, or our being in covenant with God, raises us no higher in the Divine favor than the Gentiles; if the virtuous among them are as acceptable as any of us; nay, and condemn our nation too, as no longer deserving the Divine regards; pray tell me, wherein lies the superior honor of the Jew; and what... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:1

Verse 1 1.Though Paul has clearly proved that bare circumcision brought nothing to the Jews, yet since he could not deny but that there was some difference between the Gentiles and the Jews, which by that symbol was sealed to them by the Lord, and since it was inconsistent to make a distinction, of which God was the author, void and of no moment, it remained for him to remove also this objection. It was indeed evident, that it was a foolish glorying in which the Jews on this account indulged;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:1-2

What advantage then hath the Jew! or what is the profit of circumcision! Much ( πολὺ , a neuter adjective, agreeing with τὸ περισσὸν ) every way (not by all means; the meaning is that in all respects the position of the Jew is an advantageous one): first (rather than chiefly, as in the Authorized Version. One point of advantage is specified, which might have been followed by a secondly and a thirdly, etc. But the writer stops here, the mention of this first being... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:1-2

Prerogative. The differences in men's circumstances and advantages are great, and are altogether inexplicable by human wisdom. We may not, probably we cannot, in all things "justify the ways of God to men." There is much in the inequality of the human lot that is perplexing to the reflective and sensitive mind, which we cannot reconcile with our belief in God's perfect justice, and his omnipotent and universal rule. This, however, is an insufficient reason for doubting the conviction of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:1-2

A sacred trust. Questions break the even flow of a course of argumentation, and, by diversifying the stream, quicken the sluggish interest of the spectators. The catechetical method is characteristic of the Apostle Paul in his most vehement moods. I. EXPLAIN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE QUERY IN THE TEXT . It might seem strange for any to question the unexampled privileges enjoyed by the Jews, but the apostle has been laying the axe to the root of some barren trees of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:1-8

(2) Certain objections with regard to the Jews suggested and met. In this passage, before proceeding with his argument, the apostle meets certain objections that might be made to what has been so far said. Some difficulty in determining his exact meaning arises from the concise and pregnant form in which the objections are put and answered, and from fresh ones arising out of the answers, which have also to be met. The objections are from the Jewish standpoint, though not put into the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:1-8

The difficulties of Divine revelation, Jewish unbelief, and Divine justice. The apostle, in the two preceding chapters, has now shown that both Jews and Gentiles stand on the same platform as regards their need of a Saviour. Both are alike sinners in God's sight. The Gentile, who has not the Law, if he does by nature the things contained in the Law, will be justified before God. "Shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?" ( Romans 2:14 , Romans 2:26 ). The Jew's... read more

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