The Jews are God’s chosen people. God carefully selected Abraham’s race through Isaac to be that people group who would represent Him, and carry on His name. That election was a great privilege. With it, however, came great responsibility. God’s choosing them was not because they were superior to others, nor was it because He loved them above all others. God simply selected them for a mission, and it was to that end that He entrusted His Word to them.

The Jewish race was blessed in many ways; through them the Savior of the world would come, bringing with Him a promise of redemption. The Jews were blessed in many remarkable ways, but what was to be a blessing, for many became a noose around their neck of condemnation. Instead of trusting in the God who chose them, submitting to Him, and faithfully carrying out His mission, their being chosen became a badge of honor that became their source of glory.

The typical Jew found their spiritual security in the fact they were born a Jew. They believed that God had guaranteed them a place in Heaven forever, simply because of the badge they wore of being a Jew. Because of their misplaced trust, they began to pride themselves in their heritage, believing that they were better than all other nations. It was pride that eventually led to their destruction.

In the New Testament, Jews had a hard time accepting Jesus as their Messiah. Though He met all the requirements of the long-prophesied Deliverer, He did not come as they expected, riding in as a conquering King, and subduing their Roman oppressors.

Paul preached that the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ was the basis of their hope for salvation. It was not in any supposed preference by God, nor in any badge of birthright. It was to that point that Jews began to wonder, ‘If Jesus is my only hope for salvation, then what benefit is it being a Jew?’

Paul answered them in…

Romans 3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

They asked that if Jesus was their only hope, what advantage do we have as Jews, or where is the profit in our circumcision?

Paul told them that God had richly blessed the Jews many ways, but mostly in entrusting to them His Word. They had been given His Word to share with the world.

Throughout the centuries, Jewish scribes carefully copied the words of Scripture, making sure they made no mistakes, so that today we can be assured that the Scriptures we read are faithful, and accurate representations of what God actually said.

Thank God for the faithful work of those to whom God entrusted His Word.