ROMANS 3:1

“Then what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the benefit of circumcision?” 

Membership has its privileges. I fly most often with one airline. As part of my membership program with them, I can access their lounges around the world when I have a long layover. Some of those lounges are awesome, complete with massaging chairs and free food and drinks. That can really help the time pass more comfortably. I almost (I said almost) feel sorry for those who can’t get in there, lol.

Paul has just finished a long discussion with the Jews in chapter two and he starts out chapter three (I realize there were no chapters in the original) asking two questions about the Jews’ advantage and benefit over the Gentiles. He is really pointing towards the covenant that God had made with the Jews to be with them and love them. They most definitely had seen God’s faithfulness to them over the centuries. But now?

APPLICATION

There are two words in today’s verse that bear a look. The first one is translated “advantage” and is the Greek word perissos. It can have a lot of meanings including exceeding abundantly above, beyond measure and superfluous. It’s actually the word used in John 10:10 where Jesus says, “‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.’” So, is Paul asking what abundance the Jew has over the Gentile?

The second word to look at is ópheleia which is translated “benefit.” It’s only used here and in Jude 1:16 where it says, “These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage.” The word has the idea of profit or usefulness. Is Paul asking here if it profits the Jew to be Jewish compared to being a Gentile?

Let me answer these two questions by pointing you to Paul’s words in Galatians 3:28. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” There’s your answer! We “are all one in Christ Jesus.” Our upper hand is Jesus. He is all that matters. Won’t you open that “lounge door” for others today and show them Who can give them an eternal membership?

I am so thankful, Lord, that You have welcomed me into Your eternal lounge.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis).