Romans 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).
1verseThen what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the profit of circumcision?
2verseMuch in every way! Because first of all, they were entrusted with the revelations of God.
3verseFor what if some were without faith? Will their lack of faith nullify the faithfulness of God?
4verseMay it never be! Yes, let God be found true, but every man a liar. As it is written, “that you might be justified in your words, and might prevail when you come into judgment.”
5verseBut if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, what will we say? Is God unrighteous who inflicts wrath? I speak like men do.
6verseMay it never be! For then how will God judge the world?
7verseFor if the truth of God through my lie abounded to his glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?
8verseWhy not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), “Let’s do evil, that good may come?” Those who say so are justly condemned.
9verseWhat then? Are we better than they? No, in no way. For we previously warned both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
10verseAs it is written, “There is no one righteous; no, not one.
11verseThere is no one who understands. There is no one who seeks after God.
12verseThey have all turned away. They have together become unprofitable. There is no one who does good, no, not so much as one.”
13verse“Their throat is an open tomb. With their tongues they have used deceit.” “The poison of vipers is under their lips.”
14verse“Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
15verse“Their feet are swift to shed blood.
16verseDestruction and misery are in their ways.
17verseThe way of peace, they haven’t known.”
18verse“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
19verseNow we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God.
20verseBecause by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight; for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
21verseBut now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets;
22verseeven the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction,
23versefor all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
24versebeing justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
25versewhom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance;
26verseto demonstrate his righteousness at this present time, that he might himself be just and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.
27verseWhere then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.
28verseWe maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
29verseOr is God the God of Jews only? Isn’t he the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,
30versesince indeed there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
31verseDo we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! No, we establish the law.
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.
