Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 3:2

"Much every way: first of all, that they were intrusted with the oracles of God." — Romans 3:2 (ASV)

Much every way. Or, in every respect. This is the apostle's answer to the objection in Romans 3:1.

Chiefly. That is, this is the principal advantage, and one including all others. The main benefit of being a Jew is to possess the sacred Scriptures and their instructions.

Unto them were committed. Or, they were entrusted; they were confided in. The word translated "were committed" is commonly used to express faith or confidence. It implied confidence in them from God in entrusting His oracles to them.

This confidence was not misplaced, for no people ever guarded a sacred trust or deposit with more fidelity than the Jews did the sacred Scriptures.

The oracles. The word oracle among pagans properly meant the answer or response of a god, or of some priest supposed to be inspired, to an important inquiry. This answer was usually expressed in a brief, concise manner, and often with great ambiguity. The place from which such a response was usually obtained was also called an oracle, such as the oracle at Delphi, etc.

These oracles were common among pagans, and matters of great importance were usually submitted to them. The word translated as oracles occurs in the New Testament only four times: Acts 7:38; Hebrews 5:12; 1 Peter 4:11; and Romans 3:2. It is evidently used here to denote the Scriptures, as being what was spoken by God, and perhaps particularly the Divine promises.

To possess these was, of course, an eminent privilege and included all others, as they instructed them in their duty and were their guide in everything that pertained to them in this life and the life to come. They also contained many precious promises respecting the future dignity of the nation in reference to the Messiah. No higher favour can be conferred on a people than to be put in possession of the sacred Scriptures. And this fact should stir us to gratitude and lead us to strive to extend them to other nations as well. (Psalms 147:19–20).