Can someone explain this scripture about the Law?

Question

What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God. Romans 3 1-2

Why does it say that there is much value in circumcision when Jesus came to set us free from the law? Physical circumcision is errilevent.

Maybe I worded the question wrong. I understand that Jesus came to fulfill the law.

I also know that circumcision is of the Heart. That's the whole reason I wrote the question. Why is it saying that there is much advantage in physical circumcision, when physical circumcision is errilevent. It IS of the heart.

Answer 1

The way I see it is that circumcision is like baptism. It's an outward sign of an inward change. When the Jews were circumcised it showed the world that they belong to God. It was not necessary but God made it a point to show others that His chosen people were truly His own, they stood out among the crowds. Just like baptism says we belong to God. what Paul is saying here is simply that the advantage of being a Jew was and still is profitable for them. They still ARE God's chosen people, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel; because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: FIRST FOR THE JEW then for the Gentile." (Romans 1:16)
Circumcision is not mandatory, see the council of Jerusalem in Acts chapter 15. Everything that the law requires was accomplished and payed for at the cross. Yes, we will continue to sin but nothing of the law can put us back into right standing with God except Jesus.

Answer 2

As you read your Bible, go up a few lines to Romans 2:25-29 to get a feel for what Paul is talking about in regard to true circumcision. True circumcision is of the heart, or spirit, not of the body.

Paul does indicate that there is value in being a Jew, as was he, because the Jews are God's chosen people-He chose them, they did not choose Him. That is why they were entrusted with the words of God, or in other translations, the oracles of God, meaning in part the prophets.

As for physical circumcision, the value was that the Jew was, and is, commanded by God to circumcise male children (Genesis 17:10-13). Notice in verse 13 that this is an everlasting covenant for the Jews

In regard to Jesus setting us free from the Law, He did not. See Matthew 5:17-19. He came to fulfill the Law. But realize that, if you are a Christian, meaning that you have accepted Jesus Christ as you personal savior, then you are no longer under the Law, but under grace (Romans 6:14). Continue reading verses 15 through 19 to understand that even though we are under grace, it is still detrimental to sin or break the Law.

So, in regards to your last statement, physical circumcision may very well be irrelevant to the Christian, but to the Jew, circumcision is still an everlasting covenant with God to be obeyed.

I hope this helps. Keep looking, keep asking, and you will find answers.

Answer 3

Hello friend,
You have asked a great question!
I'd like to point out that your last statement is right on the mark.
To get the short answer to your question, look back at chapter 2 verse 25 but look at 26 too!

Paul is talking to the Jews specifically, but not only to males. Let me explain, in the passage you mentioned, do you see a place for women? I mean, regarding "physical circumcision".

To be fair, if "physical circumcision" had anything at all to do with salvation, women would be excluded. What I believe Paul is saying is this; in context, those Jewish people thought that the Law of Moses which included "physical circumcision", was the "way" to God, and they were still rejecting Jesus as Messiah.

This explains 2:25 which is the short answer to your question.
Paul said "Circumcision is of value if you practice the Law"... these folks thought they could KEEP the Law and gain God's approval. But wait, look at James 2:10 James says that if you keep the whole Law and stumble in only one point, you are guilty of breaking the whole Law!

The Point is this, they could not keep the Law. They had to be circumcised according to the Law and were trusting in that circumcision to get God's favor rather than trusting in the finished Work of Jesus Christ. Paul made it clear that their trust was misplaced. They may as well have been uncircumcised because
it meant nothing.

Look at Ro. 3:28, 29. You, dear one, are a Jew in God's eyes if YOU have accepted His Son as Savior! And your HEART has been circumcised. He has written His Law on your heart...see Jer.31:33.

I know this is a lot friend, but it is SO worth knowing. In Christ, we are FREE from the Law of sin and death! Please read Gal. 2:21,
and 3:10-14. It's not that much and it will shine a lot of light on your question.

I pray that God will bless you with His wisdom and that these feeble words of mine may help some.

Blessings,
2 Tim. 2:7

Answer 4

Romans 2:28-29 says, One is not a Jew outwardly. True circumcision is not outward in the flesh. Rather, one is a Jew inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart, in the spirit, not the letter....then you go to the verses you cite.

Put it all together and the overall message is Paul explaining circumcision is no longer necessary to gain salvation, but the Jews have remained the vehicle of God's revelation despite their sins, though this depends on the fidelity of God.

You had to go through step "A" before reaching step "B".

Answer 5

You will have to read Romans 2:29. It says that being Jew is of great value if you are one "inwardly" and not just outwardly. The person who is a Jew inwardly lives by faith. This is what Paul was getting at. Remember circumcision came into being with Abraham before the Law came. Abraham was the father of faith and all those who participated in circumcision did so by faith, because it symbolized being in covenant with God.

Answer 6

I think they're great people and they are Jews who have turned to the lord Jesus Christ as a personal Savior and, of course, in the Old Testament, He is called Messiah, so they have the label of Messianic because they are looking for the coming of Messiah in the very near future. And that's what I’ve been talking about. This ridiculous thing called replacement theology where God is through with the Jews forever. That's not so.
Oh, read Romans chapter 9, 10, 11. Chapter 9 is their past, chapter 10 their present, chapter 11 their future, and all Israel is going to be saved.
If you knew anything about the Bible, which you probably tied in with this Reformation Theology, Replacement Theology, where God is through with the Jew forever, that’s an error, believe me. Yahweh God chose the Jewish people as His wife. And that’s Deuteronomy 7:7. But wait a minute, Christ chose the Christian as His wife for the future, and that’s I Peter 1:2, and Titus 1:1.
Now, both groups are elect, as I just said. And the Jew was God’s elect in Isaiah 42:1; 45:4, and 65 verses 9 and 22. And when Jesus comes back, we Christians are going to reign with Him from Jerusalem.
The bible teaches in Romans chapters 9 to 11 the Jews past, chapter 9, the Jews present, chapter 10, and the Jews future, chapter 11. And when messiah comes, chapter 11, verse 26 says: “all Israel shall be saved, for there shall come out of Zion, out of Jerusalem a deliverer who shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob”.
Who is Jacob? Jacob changed his name to Israel, 2 Kings 17:34. And when Messiah comes, He opens their blinded eyes and all Judaism, all Israel comes to Jesus Christ. I'm for the messianic Jews.

.

Answer 7

The value in being a Jew, or in being circumcised is everything to the man who chooses those things.

Jesus came to fulfil the law, and to set us free. The biggest point that I retain from the words that Jesus spoke is "not to pass judgement".

Regardless of what faith anyone chooses or what path they take, so long as you do not judge another....love thy neighbour as thyself.

I don't know for sure....I'm still asking questions myself....but I think faith is more important than how you label yourself or how you cut, pierce or decorate your body.

Answer 8

I believe Paul is referring to circumcision in the context of BEING a Jew - in other words he is speaking directly to and about Jews in this passage
It may also be that Paul is explaining that there is really nothing wrong with continuing to make the convenant with God and that for the Jews especially - that it is a good thing.

Answer 9

Not sure that's actually about the Law. It's more about the relationship between Jews and Gentiles. It also says in Scripture that the Gentile is grafted onto the 'olive tree' of Judaism. But the Jew IS God's Chosen People. Without them, there could be no Salvation.

Answer 10

if you continue reading you will see that the circumcision that you are talking about isn't exactly what you think it is. once Jesus came (new testament) the Bible says that circumcision is of the heart.. in other words, humbled..in an act of obedience.

Romans 2:29
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.