In Romans, Paul argues for the gospel of Christ against objections (whether stated or assumed) by those who opposed him. In essence, it is a sort of Q & A dialogue he provides, and sometimes the questions are written while other times they are assumed and/or inferred.
Here are some of the implied and stated questions and answers from Rom. 2:28-3:31…
- Note: There may be variations and different versions of questions and answers than the ones stated here, the main message should not differ.
Q: Who is a Jew?
A: All who have a new heart from the Holy Spirit (2:28-29)
Q: Are there any advantages to being a natural Jew? (3:1)
A: Yes, for starters, they received God’s written law (3:1-2)
Q: Is God still faithful and just when He rejects and condemns unbelieving Jews (i.e. cultural and natural Jews), while accepting believers in Christ (including Gentiles)? (3:3,5)
A: First, regardless of what people may think or say, let it be known that God is faithful (3:4)… PERIOD Second, God is still Judge and will use the same standard of perfection (i.e. the Law) to judge everyone – Jews and Gentiles (3:6).
Q: You say God’s glory is revealed when people sin, so are you saying people should sin more to show off more of His glory? (3:7-8)
A: No, I detest such a ridiculous notion, see later (3:8)
Q: If God still judges us by our works, and unbelieving Jews receive wrath, are you saying those who believe in Christ are better people? (3:9)
A: No! All – Jews and Greeks – are under sin (3:9), the O.T. law says this clearly (3:10-18), and all are under this law (2:14-15; 3:19-20).
Q: If all are under sin and condemned by the law, how can anyone escape God’s wrath, and God still be a fair Judge?
Answer found later in Romans 3 – through the Gospel alone!