What advantage did the Jews have according to Romans 3:1-2?
The Jews’ advantage was much in every way, chiefly because the Word of God was committed to them as the Israeli nation. God also gave them the priesthood, worship, civil law, and the whole system of law. Yet this did not remove their need, since all, Jew and Gentile, are under sin.
Les teaches that in Romans 3:1 Paul asks what advantage the Jew had, or what profit there was in circumcision, the practice of their Jewish religion. Verse 2 answers, “Much, every way,” chiefly because unto them—the Jewish people, the Israeli nation—were committed the Word of God. They had everything going for them: God gave them the priesthood, the worship, the civil law, and the whole system of law. But Les explains that in the final analysis it accomplished practically nothing, because even though Israel was different, it proved that the old Adamic nature is just as evident in the son of Abraham as in a Gentile. Paul’s conclusion is that there is no difference, for all are under sin.
What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.