Matthew Henry Commentary Romans 3:1-8

"What advantage then hath the Jew? or what is the profit of circumcision? Much every way: first of all, that they were intrusted with the oracles of God. For what if some were without faith? shall their want of faith make of none effect the faithfulness of God? God forbid: yea, let God be found true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy words, And mightest prevail when thou comest into judgment. But if our righteousness commendeth the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who visiteth with wrath? (I speak after the manner of men.) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? But if the truth of God through my lie abounded unto his glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? and why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), Let us do evil, that good may come? whose condemnation is just." — Romans 3:1-8 (ASV)

The law could not save them in their sins, nor from their sins, yet it gave the Jews advantages for obtaining salvation. Their prescribed ordinances, education in the knowledge of the true God and His service, and many favors shown to the children of Abraham, all were means of grace, and undoubtedly were made useful for the conversion of many. But especially, the Scriptures were committed to them.

Enjoyment of God's word and ordinances is the chief happiness of a people. But God's promises are made only to believers; therefore, the unbelief of some, or of many who profess faith, cannot nullify His faithfulness. He will fulfill His promises to His people and bring His threatened vengeance upon unbelievers. God's judging the world should forever silence all doubts and objections concerning His justice.

The wickedness and obstinate unbelief of the Jews proved humanity's need for the righteousness of God by faith, and also His justice in punishing sin. The saying, Let us do evil, that good may come, is more often in the heart than in the mouth of sinners, for few justify themselves in their wicked ways in this manner. The believer knows that duty belongs to him, and events to God; and that he must not commit any sin, or speak one falsehood, on the hope, or even assurance, that God may thereby glorify Himself.

If any speak and act in this way, their condemnation is just.