What was the chief advantage the Jews had according to Romans 3:2?
According to Romans 3:2, the chief advantage was that the Jews had the Word of God. Paul writes they had much advantage every way, but chiefly this: they possessed God’s Word. Other advantages included being the covenant people, having the temple and priesthood, and Jehovah God’s blessings, but the Word of God was the most prestigious thing.
Les explains that Paul’s question in Romans 3:1 asks what advantage the Jew had and what profit there was in circumcision—being a bona fide Jew. Paul’s answer is “Much, every way.” The Jews were the covenant people; they had the temple, a priesthood, and the very blessings of Jehovah God upon them. But the next word is “Chiefly.” Les emphasizes that this means the best and most prestigious thing they had going for them was that they had the Word of God. He then connects this to 1 Timothy and the Greek word protos, arguing it should not be defined as something wicked or evil.
Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
More Questions
What advantage did the Jew have according to Romans 3:1-2?
In Romans 3:1-2 Paul answers that the advantage of the Jew and the profit of circumcision is 'much, every way' — that is, the benefit of being a member of the nation of Israel is great in every respect.