Romans 3:1-2 NIV

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 3:2

Much every way ,.... The circumcised Jew has greatly the advantage of the uncircumcised Gentile, מכל פנים , "in all respects", על כל צד , "on every side", as the Rabbins speak; phrases to which this in the text answers: chiefly ; more especially, particularly, and in the first place; because that unto them were committed the oracles of God ; by which are meant the law of Moses, and the writings of the prophets, the institutions of the ceremonial law, and the prophecies of... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:2

Apostle. Much every way - The Jews, in reference to the means and motives of obedience, enjoy many advantages beyond the Gentiles; and, principally, because to them were committed the oracles of God - that revelation of his will to Moses and the prophets, containing a treasure of excellencies, with which no other part of the world has been favored; though they have most grievously abused these privileges. 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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:2

Verse 2 2.Much in every way, etc.; that is, very much. He begins here to give the sacrament its own praise; but he concedes not, that on this account the Jews ought to have been proud; for when he teaches that they were sealed by the symbol of circumcision, by which they were counted the children of God, he does not allow that they became superior to others through any merit or worthiness of their own, but through the free mercy of God. If then regard be had to them as men, he shows that they... 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

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

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

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 3:2

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

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:2

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

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:1-2

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:1-2

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