Paul knows that his argument in chapter 2 will provoke objections from Jews. He is willing to air these objections since he is dealing with serious questions, which have immense implications for the understanding of God, of salvation, and of who belongs to God’s people. In 3:1–4 Paul notes objections which insist that the privileges of the Jews cannot have been annulled. When the question is raised, “What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision?” (3:1), Paul has to grant that his dialogue partner has a point (“Much in every way!”)—Jews have indeed an advantage over Gentiles. The reason for this answer is Paul’s belief that the Jews have been given God’s authentic self-revelation (3:2; the phrase “first of all” implies further privileges, which Paul…