D. Objections Answered (3:1-8)

Paul answers possible objections to his preceding statements. In v.1 he raises an objection based on 2:29. If true Jew and circumcision are inward realities, not outward signs, then what is the advantage of being a Jew physically? The answer is in v.2. Among many blessings, they are entrusted with the very words (promises) of God (Wesley, Notes, 368). In v.3 Paul raises a question based on v.2. If the Jews are not faithful, will it affect God’s faithfulness? The answer is found in v.4. God is always faithful; therefore he can judge people. Again, v.5 raises an objection based on v.4. If my unfaithfulness magnifies God’s righteousness, then why does God judge me? And v.6 answers that. If this logic is valid, then God should not judge the gentile world. Yet the Jews maintain that God should judge them. In vv.7-8 we see a repetition of an objection similar to that in v.5. Such unreasonable arguments come from a twisted moral nature, which deserves condemnation.