Romans 3:1-2

1 What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision?

Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.

The opening question is saying “What is the advantage of being a Jew if Jews are lumped with heathens in guilt?” It’s a follow-up to Paul’s conclusions in chapter 2.

The Jews were entrusted with the reception, inscription, and transmission of God’s Word. Other advantages are mentioned in Romans 9:4-5 — Who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.

Oracles = utterances = the Law and other revelation in the Old Testament and the right to worship God that went along with it.

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