What advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision? Much in every way, chiefly because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. Romans 3:1,2
The family that rented the house behind us was loud and rough, making noise and yelling into the hours of night. The children often appeared playing in dirty or unsuitable clothing, and the entire family appeared to be a mess. Often we would hear the children screaming, because one would strike the other with a fist or a stick, and the parents seemed not to mind, or else simply shouted at them to be quiet. We knew the children were living under a poor influence, but even so, we were shocked to hear the little boy one day when he came into our back yard and was using extremely vulgar language. We dreaded to have our own children hear such filth, but when we tried to correct him, he couldn’t understand what was wrong. Had we heard such words from our own children, we would have dealt with them harshly, because they were raised in a home that taught them better. That is what Paul is speaking about when he refers to the advantage the Jews had in hearing the Gospel.
Unlike the Gentiles, who were occupied with their idols and who were ignorant of morality and decency, the Jews knew about God and His commandments. The Jews understood somewhat of God’s holiness and of the need for sacrifices to atone for wrongdoing. Because of their familiarity with the things of God, they were much better prepared to understand the Gospel than the uninformed and lawless Gentiles. In much the same way, those of us who were born into and brought up in Christian homes are far more prepared to take in the Gospel message than people who have never heard the Gospel before. And yet, many who have had such a great advantage have neglected or rejected the message, while others to whom the Gospel is a new revelation have embraced the glad tidings joyfully.
As the apostle Paul wrote of the advantage that the Jews had, he knew that his people had as a nation rejected Christ, and he watched as the rejection of the Jews was replaced by the acceptance of the message among the Gentiles. The great advantage of the Jews served them no purpose if they were to cast it aside. Christian families today see their children receive great advantage, with the testimony of godly parents in the home, the influence of the Word of God read and practiced daily, the regular attendance at Assembly meetings, including the attendance at Gospel meetings and Sunday School. Parents often have the joy of seeing their children saved, but sadly, also see some failing to appreciate the great advantage they have.
Great advantage does not always translate into great acceptance. That is why we need to pour as much effort and prayer into those with great advantage as into those without the same privilege. -Jim MacIntosh