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I. THE APPELLATION HERE GIVEN TO THE HOLY SCRIPTURES — the oracles of God.

1. There seems to be an allusion to the heathen oracles. These were, indeed, merely pretended communications from gods that had no existence; or, perhaps, in some instances real communications from demons, and the answers which were given were generally expressed in such unintelligible, or equivocal phrases as might easily be wrested to prove the truth of the oracles whatever the truth might be (Acts 16:16).

2. But the apostles, when they term the Scriptures "oracles" (Acts 7:38; Hebrews 5:12; 1 Peter 4:11), signify that they are real revelations from the true God. These were communicated — viva voce, as when God spake to Moses face to face — in visions, as when a prophet in an ecstacy had supernatural revelations (Genesis 15:1; Genesis 46:2; Ezekiel 11:24; Daniel 8:2) — in dreams, as those of Jacob (Genesis 28:12) and Joseph (Genesis 37:5, 6) — by Urim and Thummim, which was a way of knowing the will of God by the ephod or breastplate of the high priest. After the building of the temple, God's will was generally made known by prophets Divinely inspired, and who were made acquainted with it in different ways (1 Chronicles 9:20, 21).

3. The apostles, giving the Scriptures this appellation, show that they considered them as containing God's mind and will (2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 1:10-13, 23, 25; 2 Peter 1:19-21). And these apostles, being themselves inspired (John 14:17, 26; John 15:26; John 16:13) could not be mistaken. Christ Himself has borne a clear testimony to the truth and importance of the Scriptures of the Old Testament (John 5:39; John 10:35; Luke 16:29, 31).

4. Other proofs of their inspiration are — the majesty of their style; the evident truth and authority of their doctrines; the harmony of all their parts; their power on the minds of myriads; the accomplishment of their prophecies; the miracles performed by their authors. If these things can be affirmed of the writing of the Old Testament, how much more of the New, which consist of the discourses of God's Incarnate Truth (Hebrews 1:1), and of His Divinely commissioned servants (Ephesians 4:7-13).

II. THE ADVANTAGES THOSE HAVE ABOVE OTHERS, WHO ARE FAVOURED WITH THEM.

1. There are many truths of vast importance which may be known from God's works (Romans 1:19, 20); nevertheless, matter of fact has proved that even as to the most obvious and primary truths, all flesh have corrupted their way. If the existence of a Deity has been generally acknowledged, yet His unity and spirituality has not, but the most civilised nations have multiplied their gods without end (Romans 1:21-24; hence Isaiah 40:19, 20; Isaiah 41:6, 7; Isaiah 44:12-20). As to the accountableness of man, fatalism on the one hand. and self-sufficiency on the other, prevailed even among the Greeks and Romans; as to the distinction between vice and virtue, we refer to the apostle (Romans 1:26-32). And as to a future state of happiness or misery, they were in general "without hope."

2. But if these and such like truths could have been discovered by the light of nature, they are taught in Scripture much more clearly and fully; with more authority and certainty; and in a way more adapted to the condition of mankind, who in general have neither capacity nor time for deep and difficult research. Many other truths of equal importance, which are not known at all by the light of nature, are clearly revealed in the Scriptures.

3. The oracles of God may well be called by St. Stephen "lively." God's word is a "hammer and fire," "quick and powerful" (Hebrews 4:12), "spirit and life" (John 6:63). They partake of the spiritual, living, and powerful nature of Him, from whom they proceed. The God who gave them is still at hand to give the right understanding and feeling of them (Luke 24:45; 2 Peter 1:20), and still works by and with them. Hence men, from age to age, have been "pricked," "cut to the heart" (Acts 2:37; Acts 5:33), "begotten" (James 1:18), "born again" (1 Peter 1:23), "set free" (John 8:32), "made clean" (John 15:3), "sanctified" (John 17:17; Ephesians 5:26), built up and made perfect by them (Ephesians 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:15).

4. But here arises a grand objection; the Jews, though favoured with the oracles of God, were as wicked as the Gentiles (chap. Romans 2); professing Christians are as wicked as the heathen. This is by no means the case. A very favourable change in the manners of men in general has been wrought where the Scriptures have been received; and myriads, both Jews and Christians, have thereby been made truly pious persons in all ages; and with respect to the rest, "if some did not believe, shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?" (ver. 3).

III. OUR OBLIGATION TO IMPROVE THIS ADVANTAGE FOR OURSELVES AND TO COMMUNICATE IT TO OTHERS.

1. The oracles of God can only profit those who believe them (Hebrews 3:11; Hebrews 4:2). They must also be considered and laid to heart, otherwise they cannot profit an intelligent and free being, for they do not work upon our minds mechanically. We must bring to their consideration a teachable and serious mind; must receive them with reverence, gratitude, and affection; practise the religion they describe; and, in order to all this, pray to Him that gave them, that He may impart to us the Spirit by whose influences alone we can either understand or comply with them.

2. With respect to others — the oracles of God are equally necessary and designed for all men (Psalm 22:27; Isaiah 2:2; Micah 4:1; Isaiah 11:9; Isaiah 60:8, 9; Luke 24:47; Mark 16:15; Romans 1:5; Revelation 14:6, 7). All professing Christians are under an obligation to aid their circulation, that their endeavours may be consistent with their prayers, for they pray that His "kingdom may come."

(Joseph Benson.)

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KJV: What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?

WEB: Then what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the profit of circumcision?