Romans 3:2

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 3:2

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 3:2

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 3:2

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

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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