Acts 3
Romans 3 can be divided broadly into three parts. The first part emphasizes that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin (verses 1–20). The second part explains that, within these human limitations, God’s righteousness is revealed through Jesus Christ (verses 21–26). Finally, it shows the universality of the gospel that declares people righteous by faith and the existence of humans who cannot boast (verses 27–31).
1versePeter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
2verseA certain man who was lame from his mother’s womb was being carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask gifts for the needy of those who entered into the temple.
3verseSeeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive gifts for the needy.
4versePeter, fastening his eyes on him, with John, said, “Look at us.”
5verseHe listened to them, expecting to receive something from them.
6verseBut Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!”
7verseHe took him by the right hand and raised him up. Immediately his feet and his ankle bones received strength.
8verseLeaping up, he stood and began to walk. He entered with them into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God.
9verseAll the people saw him walking and praising God.
10verseThey recognized him, that it was he who used to sit begging for gifts for the needy at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. They were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
11verseAs the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.
12verseWhen Peter saw it, he responded to the people, “You men of Israel, why do you marvel at this man? Why do you fasten your eyes on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk?
13verseThe God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had determined to release him.
14verseBut you denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,
15verseand killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, to which we are witnesses.
16verseBy faith in his name, his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which is through him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
17verse“Now, brothers, I know that you did this in ignorance, as did also your rulers.
18verseBut the things which God announced by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled.
19verse“Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord,
20verseand that he may send Christ Jesus, who was ordained for you before,
21versewhom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God spoke long ago by the mouth of his holy prophets.
22verseFor Moses indeed said to the fathers, ‘The Lord God will raise up a prophet for you from among your brothers, like me. You shall listen to him in all things whatever he says to you.
23verseIt will be that every soul that will not listen to that prophet will be utterly destroyed from among the people.’
24verseYes, and all the prophets from Samuel and those who followed after, as many as have spoken, also told of these days.
25verseYou are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘All the families of the earth will be blessed through your offspring.’
26verseGod, having raised up his servant Jesus, sent him to you first to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your wickedness.”
A Declaration That Both Jews and Gentiles Are Sinners
In the opening section, the apostle Paul discusses Jewish superiority or privileges, but he strongly declares that all humanity is placed under sin, whether or not they have the law. The statement, "There is no one righteous, not even one" (verse 10), is part of acknowledging humanity’s universal sinfulness. Through various quotations from the Old Testament, Paul shows that no one can become righteous by themselves.
The Role and Limits of the Law
In Romans 3:19–20, the true role of the law is emphasized. The law can only make people aware of sin; it cannot make humans righteous. Therefore, it clearly reveals the limit that no one can obtain righteousness before God through human actions or efforts alone.
God’s Righteousness Through Jesus Christ
From verse 21 onward, the gospel’s central message unfolds with the declaration, "Now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known." Through faith in Jesus Christ, it proclaims that everyone can be brought to God’s righteousness. It is open to all people without distinction, and it highlights that grace has become possible through Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
A Salvation That Cannot Be Boasted About
In the latter part of Romans 3 (verses 27–31), it emphasizes that no human action can be something to boast about, and clearly states that only relying on God’s grace by faith leads to salvation. By speaking not about the works of the law but about the law of faith, it reveals the universality and a new principle of the gospel.
Reflection Points
- Am I viewing myself and the world from God’s perspective?
- Let’s reflect on how the law, human actions, and the essence of faith are applied to my life of faith.
- We can deeply engrave the truth that everyone is equal in righteousness and salvation.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Let’s acknowledge my weakness and sin, and commit to relying even more on God’s grace and faith in Jesus Christ rather than on my own actions.
- Remember the amazing gift of the gospel that no one can boast about, and renew your heart so that you can share the gospel with humility and love with those around you.
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