Thursday, January 8, 2015

Romans 3:2

Copyright Ó 2015 J. Neely
Romans 3:2

2 Much [polus] every [kata] [pas] way [tropos]: chiefly [proton], because [men] [gar] that [hoti] unto them were committed [pisteuo] the oracles [logion] of God [theos].   KJV-Interlinear

2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.   ESV

An oracle typically refers to the response of a deity, or to the place where that response is received, or to the person through whom that response was conveyed.

Oracle is always centered on the response from the higher power.  And whether through the prophets in their writings in the Old Testament, or through the many false Greek gods and the mythical stories that are common, the oracle is a place where one goes to ask direction or guidance or advice, and then receives some appropriate response.

And here, the Jews were blessed with the oracles, as it were, from the one and only true deity, who we identify as God, but more commonly call by name, Jesus Christ.

In this world we find ourselves recognizing many honors.  Mostly, honors that humanity bestows upon itself.

Athletes win a contest and are honored.  Celebrities do well in some artistic activity and they are honored.  Students are recognized with various honors for their academic effort.  Employees are honored at their work. Cities honor various public citizens.  Even if you are old, you get an honor of sorts just for lasting so long in this world.  And the list goes on.

But we know that this world in its entirety is temporary at best.  So, any worldly honor is temporary as well.  And anything that is temporary is going to end, sooner or later, and then be forgotten.

But there is one honor, which comes from God, which is eternal and will never end, and that honor, whatever it may be, is the highest honor that anyone can possibly receive.

The Israelites were granted possession of Gods Word.  Which is the one and only link that humanity has, which allows us to connect with God.  And were it not for the scriptures and the care they received over the centuries, we wouldn’t even have this study or a Bible to rely upon for our relationship with God.

So, indeed, as Paul states, it is a huge honor to be Jewish or of the heritage.  And as for you and me, salvation is an honor, granting us entrance into Gods personal family.  Spiritual growth is an honor, allowing is to fulfill our meaning and purpose in life.


Of the many honors in life, only those granted us by God, have intrinsic value and will never end.