What superiority then has the Jew, or what is the advantage of circumcision?
Truth to Learn
Though we are special in God’s eyes, we need to be humble.
Behind the Words
The word translated “superiority” is perisos which is based on peri, meaning “around” or “above.” Perisos refers to “that which is beyond, above, over, or superior.” Hence, we have translated this “superiority.”
“Advantage” is from the Greek word ōpheleia, referring to “a profit, an increase, or an advantage.” So Paul is really asking, “What is the advantage of being circumcised?”
Meaning Explained
Paul has just finished telling the Jewish Christians in Rome that the real test of Judaism is the internal attitude, not outward physical or ancestral indicators. He will now carry on his discourse of justification by faith. First, however, he needs to answer some objections that might be made against what he has just said about Jews.
Jews have historically considered themselves superior because they were the keepers of God’s word in the Tanakh (our Old Testament), consisting of the Torah (five books of Moses), the Neviym (the prophets), and the Ketuvim (writings). They also believed themselves special because, through Abraham, their circumcision is s sign of the covenant that God has made with them. In the next verse Paul will, in fact, even affirm these facts. The Jewish people could even refer to the Scriptures to show that God also considered them special and different from all others:
Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help and He who is the sword of your excellency! Your enemies are subdued for you, and you shall walk on their high places. (Deuteronomy 33:29)
And you shall become to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. (Exodus 19:6)
As a result, the early Christians, who were predominantly converted Jews, believed themselves to be better than even their unsaved fellow countrymen. Paul is not trying to tell these Jewish Christians that their heritage and faith in God are wrong. Instead, he is telling them that their justification before God is not wrapped up in obeying a set of laws or ceremonial practices.
Based on what Paul has just said, a Jewish Christian might well reply, “But, if the Gentiles can attain righteousness apart from being a Jew and apart from circumcision, then what benefit is there in being a Jew or of being circumcised?” In anticipation of these questions, Paul here rhetorically states these very objections. In the next few verses he will answer these questions.
Application
Once again, we need to apply what Paul was saying to these Jewish Christians of the first century church to our own lives. We are no better than any unsaved person living around us today. We are sinners just like they are. We are guilty and deserve the same eternal torment as they will receive. The only difference between us and them is that the blood of Christ has been applied to our account. Our debt has been paid! Praise be to God for His mercy and grace!
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved