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Romans 3:3
For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

Romans 11:1,2,15-23,28,29
I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham,of the tribe of Benjamin…

because.

Romans 2:18
And knowesthis will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;

Romans 9:4
Who are Israelites; to whompertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the serviceof God, and the promises;

Deuteronomy 4:7,8
For what nationis there so great, whohath Godso nigh unto them, as the LORD our Godis in allthings that we call upon himfor? …

committed.

1 Corinthians 9:17
For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensationof the gospel is committed unto me.

2 Corinthians 5:19
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Galatians 2:7
But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, asthe gospel of the circumcisionwas unto Peter;

the oracles.

Romans 1:2
(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

Psalm 119:140
Thy wordis very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

Daniel 10:21
But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: andthere is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

First of all,
This indicates the primary or most significant advantage among many. The phrase suggests a sequence or priority, pointing to the foundational role of the Jews in God's redemptive plan. Historically, the Jewish nation was the first to receive divine revelation, setting the stage for the coming of the Messiah. This priority is not just chronological but also theological, as it establishes the basis for understanding God's unfolding plan for humanity.

they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
The Jews were given the sacred responsibility of preserving and transmitting the Scriptures, which are considered the direct revelation of God. This entrustment is a profound privilege and responsibility, as it involves safeguarding the divine message for future generations. The "very words of God" refer to the Old Testament Scriptures, which include the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. This highlights the Jewish role in the history of salvation, as they were the custodians of God's revelation until the coming of Christ. The concept of being "entrusted" implies faithfulness and stewardship, reflecting the serious nature of this divine commission.

Paul has just asked, “What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew?” (Romans 3:1). His immediate answer is, “Much in every way.”

• Israel’s identity as God’s chosen nation (Deuteronomy 7:6)

• Covenants, the law, temple worship, and the promises (Romans 9:4-5)

• A history of God’s direct intervention—Exodus, conquest, prophets (Psalm 147:19-20)

These blessings demonstrate that the Lord actively prepared a people through whom He would reveal Himself and, ultimately, bring the Messiah (Genesis 12:3;Matthew 1:1). The advantage is neither trivial nor merely cultural; it is rooted in God’s redemptive plan.

“First of all” signals Paul’s primary reason before any others. In a list of privileges, this ranks highest, much like Paul’s “of first importance” when recounting the gospel in1 Corinthians 15:3. By stressing the first point, Paul reminds readers that a spiritual gift always outranks material or political benefits.

They held the front-row seat in the unfolding drama of salvation history, hearing God’s voice before the nations ever did (Amos 3:2). This priority highlights both blessing and responsibility.

To be “entrusted” implies stewardship.

• “We have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel” (1 Thessalonians 2:4)

• “Guard the rich deposit that was entrusted to you” (1 Timothy 6:20)

Israel was not merely a recipient but a trustee. Like servants in Jesus’ parable who must give an account (Luke 12:48), they were to safeguard, live out, and proclaim what God had revealed. Failure to steward well led to prophetic rebukes, yet the trust itself remained God-given and honorable.

Paul labels Scripture “the very words of God.”

• “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16)

• “Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21)

• “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul” (Psalm 19:7)

Because these oracles originate with God, they are infallible, authoritative, and life-giving (John 17:17). The Jewish people preserved the scrolls through meticulous copying, passing down divine truth that now blesses the whole world.

Romans 3:2 teaches that Israel’s foremost advantage lies in being chosen custodians of God’s inspired Scriptures. This honor brings extraordinary privilege and serious responsibility, underscoring the faithfulness of God in revealing His word and the necessity for His people—then and now—to cherish, obey, and proclaim it.

Unto them were committed.--This is paraphrastic. "Oracle" is the object, and not the subject, of the sentence. "They were entrusted with."

Oracles.--A good translation; the Scriptures of the Old Testament as containing a revelation of God.

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