Audio commentary on this verse

Note 4 at Rom. 3:3: Paul is using the phrase "the faith of God" in this verse interchangeably with the word "oracle" in verse two. He is saying that the unbelief of the Jews did not make the Word of God or the promises of God without effect. Therefore, the Word of God is the faith of God. No wonder faith comes by hearing God's Word; God's Word contains His faith.

Note 5 at Rom. 3:3: Paul is asking the question, "If some of the Jews did not believe God's Word, does that make God's Word of no effect?" The answer to this question is a resounding "no" in verse four. However, Mark 7:13 says we make the Word of God of none effect through our tradition. What's the harmony between these two verses?

An individual can make God's Word of no effect in his personal life. Hebrews 4:2 says God's Word will not profit us unless we mix it with faith. So the Word will not profit anyone who doesn't believe it, but God's Word itself doesn't lose any power. That is what Paul is stating here. The unbelief of the Jewish nation as a whole did not void the promises of God concerning salvation through a savior. The promises of salvation were of no effect to the individuals who rejected Jesus, but to anyone who will put his faith in Jesus as Messiah, the Word of God still has its power to save.