Audio commentary on this verse

Note 2 at Rom. 3:2: The main advantage (see ref. f at this verse) that the Jews had over others was that God had committed His Word unto them. They not only had the intuitive knowledge of God (see note 2 at Rom. 1:18, p. 744), but they had a written record of God's instructions which should have served as an added restraint from departing from God. They, however, had missed the true intent of God's law, and therefore were not taking advantage of the benefits God's Word afforded them.

Note 3 at Rom. 3:2: The Greek word for "oracles" is "logion" which means, "an utterance of God." Therefore, this is speaking of the Word of God that was committed to the Jews. In the Old Testament, the word "oracle" was also used to designate the innermost part of the temple since the ark of the covenant was kept there (1 Ki. 6:5; 6:16, 19-23, 31; 7:49; 8:6, 8; 2 Chr. 3:16; 4:20; 5:7, 9; Ps. 28:2).

The word "oracles" is used four times in the New Testament (Acts 7:38; Rom. 3:2; Heb. 5:12; 1 Pet. 4:11). In each of these instances, the word is clearly referring to the Word of God.