A Simple Man’s Notes on Scripture

Part II: The Conduct of Humanity For what if some disbelieve? Will not their unbelief nullify the faithfulness of God? Faith Until this point in our study, “faith” has largely been absent. Aside from its brief mention in Romans 1:8, and its function in relation to the evangel (1:17,) “faith” has not been a part of this study. This changes with Romans 3:2-3. At this juncture, “faith” is briefly mentioned in both the positive (“belief” and “believe”) and negative (“unbelief” and “disbelieve.”) This is a necessary interlude. Paul first brings up faith in 3:2 – that Israel is en trusted with the oracles of God. The objector is not overstepping the boundaries of Paul’s declarations, but he is challenging them. There are many pitfalls in this objection. Paul suddenly finds himself in a landmine, of sorts. The wrong move will trigger a violent contradiction, and prove that his argument is flawed. Some among Israel disbelieve, and this must be handled. First, Paul cannot say that disbelief...