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Commentaries
English
Romans
  
e) The privilege of the Jews does not save them from the anger
(Romans 3:1-8)
1What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision?2Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.3For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?4Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: "That You may be justified in Your words, and may overcome when You are judged."5But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.)


Before Paul wrote his epistle to the church in Rome, there were several questions among its members. The believers of Gentile origin did not regard the Jews as greatly privileged and honored. Therefore, they were pleased when Paul confirmed, in his epistle, that the Law and circumcision would condemn the people of the old covenant.
On the other hand, the Christians of Jewish origin, who adhered to the Law, put the subject of righteousness by faith under question. They were displeased with Paul’s clarifications, as he broke their privileges of the Law and covenant.
Paul knew of these different attitudes through his missionary journeys, and he answered their questions beforehand in his epistle to the Romans. He assumed that someone said to him: “You are right, Paul, the Jews are not greater than we are.” And Paul answered him with a smile: “My dear brother, you are wrong, for the Jews still have a great privilege. It is neither their race, nor their genius, nor their nationality, which are all but dust and ashes. Their only privilege is the word of God deposited in their hands. This revelation will remain their pride and responsibility forever.
Then Paul assumed that another objector said: “But they were not faithful and keepers to the Law of the covenant.” And Paul replied to this serious charge saying: “Do you think that man’s fault makes the promises and faithfulness of the Lord null and void? God is neither hesitant, nor does he lie. His word is the eternal truth and the foundation of the universe. The grace of the Lord, in front of the infidelity of men, is faithful and lasting forever. If God invalidated the old covenant because of the sins of its people, there would be no continuance of our new covenant. In fact, we in the new covenant sin more than those of old, compared with the considerable gifts given to us. Therefore, we do not build our hope on our apparent failure, or imagined success, but only on the grace of God. We admit that we are liars and false as all men, and we testify that God alone is the truthful and faithful one. His faithfulness and his promises never fail.