Paul
anticipates and answers questions or objections which his Jewish opponents
might raise in opposition to his teaching (Romans
3:1-8)
Romans 3:1-2
- What advantage,
then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in
every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
•
The First Question or Objection and Its Answer (Romans 3:1-2)
–
Question: In light of what Paul
had just said (in 2:1-29) What advantage, then, is
there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? (Romans 3:1)
–
Answer: Much in every way, for
the Jews had been entrusted with the very words of God. They had been made the
custodians of the revelation given by God in and through the Old Testament
Scriptures (Romans 3:2)
Romans 3:3-4
-
What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify
God's faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written [in Psalm 51:4]:
"So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you
judge."
•
The Second Objection must be inferred from the questions raised in verse 3
and the answer given in verse 4
(Romans 3:3-4)
–
Implied Objection: The fact that some
Jews had not believed would not release God from His obligation to remain
faithful to them, would it? (Romans 3:3)
–
Answer: The faithfulness of
God must not be called into question by men. He will judge the Jews and prove
Himself right in doing so. (Romans 3:4)
Romans 3:5-8
- But if our
unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say?
That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.)
Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? Someone might
argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory,
why am I still condemned as a sinner?" Why not
say-- as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we
say-- "Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is
deserved.
•
The Third Objection and Its Answer (Romans 3:5-8)
–
Question: If the Unrighteousness
of the Jews establishes or demonstrates God’s righteousness, would He be unjust
in inflicting His wrath on them for their sins? (Romans
3:5)
–
Answer: If this principle were
true, God could not punish anyone, Jew or Gentile; and also, such a principle
would lead to the absurdity that we ought to do evil that good may result. (Romans 3:6-8)