Paul scripts a debate with an imaginary critic who objects to his claim that the Jews are not privileged above Gentiles in knowing God because of their ethnic tradition and religion. If that is so, the critic mounts four charges, each arising from the previous one, against God. Isn't Jewish election a sham (vv1-2)? Hasn't their failure to keep the covenant meant that God has failed (vv3-4)? How can God be just (vv5-6)? If human sin magnifies God's righteousness, isn't God encouraging us to sin (vv7-8)? The passage challenges us to reflect on our view of the character of God.
