Romans 3

¹ What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit [is there] of circumcision?

² Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

³ For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

⁴ God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

⁵ But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? [Is] God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

⁶ God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?

⁷ For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?

⁸ And not [rather], (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

⁹ What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

¹⁰ As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

¹¹ There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

¹² They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

¹³ Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips:

¹⁴ Whose mouth [is] full of cursing and bitterness:

¹⁵ Their feet [are] swift to shed blood:

¹⁶ Destruction and misery [are] in their ways:

¹⁷ And the way of peace have they not known:

¹⁸ There is no fear of God before their eyes.

¹⁹ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

²⁰ Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.

²¹ But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

²² Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

²³ For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

²⁴ Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

²⁵ Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

²⁶ To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

²⁷ Where [is] boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

²⁸ Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

²⁹ [Is he] the God of the Jews only? [is he] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

³⁰ Seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

³¹ Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Overview of Romans Chapter 3

Romans Chapter 3 addresses several key themes, including the righteousness of God, the universality of sin, and the justification through faith. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin and highlights the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

Key Themes

• The Faithfulness of God

  Paul begins by questioning whether the unfaithfulness of some can nullify God’s faithfulness. He asserts that God remains true, even if every human being is a liar.

• Universality of Sin

  Paul declares that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, emphasizing that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile in this regard.

• Justification Through Faith

  The chapter culminates in the declaration that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe, highlighting the grace of God as the means of salvation.

Detailed Analysis

1. God’s Faithfulness (Romans 3:1-4)

   Paul opens the chapter by addressing the advantages of being a Jew, particularly the possession of God’s oracles. He counters the argument that Jewish unfaithfulness could affect God’s faithfulness, asserting that God’s truth prevails despite human shortcomings.

2. Human Sinfulness (Romans 3:5-20)

   In these verses, Paul acknowledges the reality of sin. He uses Old Testament scripture to support his claims about the sinful nature of humanity. Key points include:

   • All are under sin (v. 9).
   • None are righteous, not even one (v. 10).
   • The law reveals sin but does not provide a means for justification (v. 20).
3. Justification by Faith (Romans 3:21-26)

   Paul introduces the concept of righteousness apart from the law, which is available through faith in Jesus Christ. Important aspects include:

   • Righteousness is given freely by God’s grace (v. 24).
   • Jesus’ sacrifice serves as a propitiation, satisfying God’s justice (v. 25).
   • This righteousness is available to all who believe, demonstrating God’s impartiality (v. 22).
4. The Role of the Law (Romans 3:27-31)

   Paul concludes the chapter by discussing the relationship between faith and the law. He argues that faith does not nullify the law but rather upholds it. Key points include:

   • Boasting is excluded because justification is through faith, not works (v. 27).
   • God is the God of both Jews and Gentiles (v. 29).
   • Faith establishes the law rather than abolishing it (v. 31).

Conclusion

Romans Chapter 3 serves as a pivotal moment in Paul’s argument regarding sin, faith, and salvation. It lays the groundwork for understanding the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ for justification and underscores the universal need for redemption. Through this chapter, Paul effectively communicates the message that salvation is a gift of grace available to all, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries.