Romans 3:2

“Much every way, etc..] The circumcised Jew has greatly the advantage of the uncircumcised Gentile, µynp lkm, “in all respects”, dx lk l[, “on every side”, as the Rabbins speak; phrases to which this in the text answers: chiefly; more especially, particularly, and in the first place; because that unto them were committed the oracles of God; by which are meant the law of Moses, and the writings of the prophets, the institutions of the ceremonial law, and the prophecies of the Messiah and the Gospel church state; and in a word, all the books of the Old Testament, and whatsoever is contained in them; which are called so, because they are of divine inspiration, contain the mind and will of God,…”

“Much every way; chiefly, because--rather, "first, that." unto them were committed the oracles of God--This remarkable expression, denoting "divine communications" in general, is transferred to the Scriptures to express their oracular, divine, authoritative character.”

“Much every way - Or, in every respect. This is the answer of the apostle to the objection in Romans 3:1. Chiefly - That is, this is the principal advantage, and one including all others. The main benefit of being a Jew is, to possess the sacred Scriptures and their instructions. Unto them were committed - Or were intrusted, were confided. The word translated “were committed,” is what is commonly employed to express “faith” or “confidence,” and it implied “confidence” in them on the part of God in intrusting his oracles to them; a confidence which was not misplaced, for no people ever guarded a sacred trust or deposit with more fidelity, than the Jews did the Sacred Scriptures. The oracles -…”

“Chiefly in that they were intrusted with the oracles of God - The scriptures, in which are so great and precious promises. Other prerogatives will follow, Rom 9:4-5. St. Paul here singles out this by which, after removing the objection, he will convict them so much the more. Romans 3:3”

“3:2 The advantage that Jews possessed was in having received God’s word. • First of all: Paul never adds a second or a third point to the list he begins here. He might have forgotten to continue the list, or first of all might mean “most importantly.” However, 9:4-5 provides a good indication of what a list of Jewish privileges would have included. • By using the word revelation (Greek logia, “oracles, messages”), Paul highlights God’s personal communication with his people (see Deut 33:9; Ps 105:19) through which he gives them special privileges and responsibilities.”

“Much: Rom 3:3, Rom 11:1, Rom 11:2, Rom 11:15-23, Rom 11:28, Rom 11:29 because: Rom 2:18, Rom 9:4; Deu 4:7, Deu 4:8; Neh 9:13, Neh 9:14; Psa 78:4-7, Psa 147:19, Psa 147:20; Isa 8:20; Eze 20:11, Eze 20:12; Luk 16:29-31; Joh 5:39; Ti2 3:15-17; Pe2 1:19-21; Rev 19:10 committed: Co1 9:17; Co2 5:19; Gal 2:7; Ti1 6:20 the oracles: Rom 1:2; Psa 119:140; Dan 10:21; Act 7:38; Ti2 3:15, Ti2 3:16; Heb 5:12; Pe1 4:11; Pe2 1:20, Pe2 1:21; Rev 22:6 Romans 3:3”