God Remains Faithful
1What, then, is the advantage of being a Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision?2Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the very wordsa of God.
3What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness?4Certainly not! Let God be true and every man a liar. As it is written:
“So that You may be proved right when You speak
and victorious when You judge.”b
5But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms.6Certainly not! In that case, how could God judge the world?7However, if my falsehood accentuates God’s truthfulness, to the increase of His glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?8Why not say, as some slanderously claim that we say, “Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is deserved!
There Is No One Righteous
(Psalm 14:1–7;Psalm 53:1–6;Isaiah 59:1–17)
9What then? Are we any better? Not at all. For we have already made the charge that Jews and Greeks alike are all under sin.10As it is written:
“There is no one righteous,
not even one.
11There is no one who understands,
no one who seeks God.
12All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.”c
13“Their throats are open graves;
their tongues practice deceit.”d
“The venom of vipers is on their lips.”e
14“Their mouths are full
of cursing and bitterness.”f
15“Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16ruin and misery lie in their wake,
17and the way of peace they have not known.”g
18“There is no fear of God
before their eyes.”h
19Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.20Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.
Righteousness through Faith in Christ
(Philippians 3:1–11)
21But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets.22And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction,23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,24and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
25God presented Him as an atoning sacrificei in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.26He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus.
27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of works? No, but on that of faith.28For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
29Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too,30since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.
31Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law.
In Romans 3, Paul addresses some of the advantages of being Jewish but quickly levels the spiritual playing field by stating that all, both Jews and Gentiles, are under the power of sin. He then introduces the glorious solution: righteousness from God, available freely by faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.
Paul wrote Romans around AD 57 from Corinth, preparing for a visit to the capital. Jews had recently returned after Claudius’s expulsion (Acts 18:2). Mixed house-churches now wrestled with questions of Law, faith, and identity. Inscriptions from Roman catacombs confirm an active Jewish community, lending weight to Paul’s address concerning their privileges and responsibilities.
1. Questions and answers (vv. 1-8)
2. Courtroom verdict on humanity (vv. 9-20)
3. Gospel solution (vv. 21-26)
4. Implications (vv. 27-31)
• “Oracles of God” – the Hebrew Scriptures (3:2).
• “Under sin” – living in sin’s power (3:9).
• “Atoning sacrifice” – Jesus satisfies justice and brings mercy (3:25).
• “Justified” – declared right with God (3:24, 26). Paul uses everyday legal language, not technical theology.
• Roman roads and legal systems sharpen Paul’s courtroom imagery; readers knew trials, verdicts, and acquittals.
• The phrase “blood” (3:25) resonated with both temple sacrifices and Roman executions, bridging cultures.
• Circumcision debates appear in first-century Jewish writings found at Qumran; Paul steps into a live issue.
• Universal Need: Every person shares the same problem—sin.
• Single Solution: God provides the same remedy—faith in Jesus.
• Harmony with Law: The Law diagnoses; Christ heals. Faith doesn’t discard the Law but fulfills its aim of pointing to the Savior (seeMatthew 5:17).
• Trust God’s Remedy: Forgiveness is a gift, not a wage; receive it.
• Drop Boasting: Salvation leaves no room for spiritual pride.
• Share Equally: Since God welcomes all by faith, churches must resist favoritism.
Connections to Additional Scriptures
Ephesians 2:8-9For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.
Galatians 2:16Know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.
Psalm 14:1-3Echoes the sentiment of
Romans 3 regarding the universal sinfulness of humanity.
Teaching Points
The Universality of SinRomans 3:10-12 states, There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away; they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. This passage underscores the universal nature of sin, affirming that all humanity is in need of salvation.
The Purpose of the LawRomans 3:20 explains, Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. The law serves to reveal our sinful nature and our inability to achieve righteousness on our own.
Righteousness Through FaithRomans 3:22-24 declares, And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. This highlights the central message of the Gospel: salvation is a gift of grace received through faith.
God's Justice and MercyRomans 3:26 states, He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus. God is both just and the justifier, maintaining His holiness while providing a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him.
Practical Applications
Acknowledge Your Need for a SaviorRecognize that no amount of good works can earn salvation; it is only through faith in Jesus Christ that we are justified.
Embrace HumilityUnderstanding that all have sinned should lead us to humility and a reliance on God's grace rather than our own efforts.
Share the GospelThe message of justification by faith is central to the Christian faith and should be shared with others who are seeking truth and hope.
Live in GratitudeLet the knowledge of God's grace and mercy inspire a life of gratitude and service to Him and others.
People
1.
JewsDescription: Paul discusses the Jews as the people who were entrusted with the oracles of God. He emphasizes their historical and spiritual significance, noting their role in God's plan and the advantages they have due to their relationship with the Law.
Relevant Scripture:
Romans 3:1-2 - "What, then, is the advantage of being a Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God."
2.
GentilesDescription: Although not explicitly named in this chapter, Gentiles are implied as the other group in contrast to the Jews. Paul argues that both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin, highlighting the universality of sin and the need for salvation for all people.
Relevant Scripture:
Romans 3:9 - "What then? Are we any better? Not at all. We have already made the charge that Jews and Greeks alike are all under sin."
3.
GodDescription: God is central to Paul's argument in
Romans 3. Paul speaks of God's righteousness, justice, and faithfulness, emphasizing that God is just in His judgments and that His righteousness is revealed apart from the Law.
Relevant Scripture:
Romans 3:5-6 - "But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? (I am speaking in human terms.) Certainly not! In that case, how could God judge the world?"
4.
Jesus ChristDescription: Jesus is presented as the means by which God's righteousness is revealed and made available to all who believe. Paul explains that through faith in Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles can be justified.
Relevant Scripture:
Romans 3:22-24 - "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
Places
Romans 3 in the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention any geographical places. Instead, it focuses on theological concepts and the universal nature of sin and justification by faith. However, if you are looking for a thematic exploration or a breakdown of key concepts, I can certainly help with that. Let me know how you would like to proceed!
Events
1.
Advantage of the Jew and Value of CircumcisionPaul begins by addressing the question of what advantage the Jew has or what value there is in circumcision. He asserts that there is much value, primarily because the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God (
Romans 3:1-2). The Greek term for "oracles" (λόγια, logia) refers to the divine revelations given to the Jewish people.
2.
Faithfulness of God Despite Human UnfaithfulnessPaul discusses the faithfulness of God in contrast to human unfaithfulness. He emphasizes that human unbelief does not nullify God's faithfulness, stating, "Let God be true, and every man a liar" (
Romans 3:3-4). This highlights the Greek concept of ἀλήθεια (aletheia), meaning truth, which is inherent in God's nature.
3.
Righteousness of God and Human UnrighteousnessThe apostle explores the righteousness of God in light of human unrighteousness. He poses rhetorical questions about God's justice and concludes that God is just in His judgments (
Romans 3:5-6). The Greek word for righteousness, δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosyne), is central to understanding God's character.
4.
Universal Sinfulness of HumanityPaul declares that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin, quoting several Old Testament scriptures to support the universality of sin (
Romans 3:9-18). He uses the Greek word ἁμαρτία (hamartia) to describe sin, emphasizing its pervasive nature.
5.
Purpose of the LawThe role of the Law is explained as bringing awareness of sin rather than providing righteousness. Paul states, "through the law we become conscious of sin" (
Romans 3:20). The Greek term νόμος (nomos) refers to the Mosaic Law, which reveals human shortcomings.
6.
Righteousness Through Faith in Jesus ChristPaul introduces the concept of righteousness apart from the Law, which is available through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe (
Romans 3:21-22). The Greek word πίστις (pistis), meaning faith, is crucial in understanding the means by which righteousness is received.
7.
Justification by GraceThe apostle explains that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but are justified freely by His grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus (
Romans 3:23-24). The Greek term χάρις (charis) signifies the unmerited favor of God.
8.
Propitiation Through Christ's BloodPaul describes Jesus as a propitiation through faith in His blood, demonstrating God's righteousness and justice (
Romans 3:25-26). The Greek word ἱλαστήριον (hilasterion) refers to the atoning sacrifice that satisfies divine wrath.
9.
Exclusion of BoastingBoasting is excluded because justification is by faith, not by works of the Law (
Romans 3:27-28). The Greek term καύχησις (kauchesis) for boasting underscores the futility of human pride in achieving righteousness.
10.
God of Both Jews and GentilesPaul concludes that God is the God of both Jews and Gentiles, justifying both through faith (
Romans 3:29-30). This emphasizes the universality of God's salvation plan, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries.
11.
Upholding the Law Through FaithFinally, Paul asserts that faith does not nullify the Law but upholds it (
Romans 3:31). The Greek word ἱστάνω (histano) implies establishing or confirming the Law's true purpose through faith.
Topics
1.
The Advantage of the Jew and the Value of CircumcisionPaul begins by addressing the question of what advantage the Jew has or what value there is in circumcision. He asserts that there is much value, primarily because the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God (
Romans 3:1-2). The Greek term for "oracles" (λόγια, logia) refers to the divine revelations given to the Jewish people.
2.
God's Faithfulness Despite Human UnfaithfulnessPaul discusses how human unfaithfulness does not nullify the faithfulness of God. He emphasizes that God remains true even if every human is a liar, quoting
Psalm 51:4 to support this point (
Romans 3:3-4). The Greek word for "faithfulness" (πίστις, pistis) underscores God's reliability and trustworthiness.
3.
The Righteousness of God and Human UnrighteousnessThe apostle addresses the question of whether human unrighteousness serves to highlight God's righteousness. He clarifies that God is just in His wrath and judgment, and human sin does not justify sinful behavior (
Romans 3:5-8).
4.
All Are Under SinPaul declares that both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin, quoting several Old Testament scriptures to demonstrate that no one is righteous on their own (
Romans 3:9-18). The Greek word for "sin" (ἁμαρτία, hamartia) conveys the idea of missing the mark or falling short of God's standards.
5.
The Purpose of the LawThe law is described as revealing the knowledge of sin, but it cannot justify anyone before God. Paul explains that the law's purpose is to make people conscious of their sinfulness (
Romans 3:19-20). The Greek term for "law" (νόμος, nomos) refers to the Mosaic Law given to Israel.
6.
Righteousness Through FaithPaul introduces the concept of righteousness apart from the law, which is available through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. This righteousness is a gift of God's grace, emphasizing that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory (
Romans 3:21-24). The Greek word for "righteousness" (δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosynē) signifies a state of being right with God.
7.
Justification by FaithThe chapter concludes with the doctrine of justification by faith, where believers are justified freely by God's grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Paul explains that God presented Christ as a propitiation through faith in His blood, demonstrating His righteousness (
Romans 3:25-31). The Greek term for "justification" (δικαίωσις, dikaiōsis) refers to being declared righteous by God.
Themes
1.
The Advantage of the Jews and the Faithfulness of GodPaul begins by discussing the benefits of being a Jew, primarily the possession of the "oracles of God" (
Romans 3:2). Despite human unfaithfulness, God's faithfulness remains intact, emphasizing His reliability and truthfulness (
Romans 3:3-4). The Greek word for "oracles" (λόγια, logia) refers to the divine revelations given to the Jews.
2.
Universal Sinfulness of HumanityPaul asserts that both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin, quoting several Old Testament scriptures to demonstrate that "There is no one righteous, not even one" (
Romans 3:10). This theme highlights the universal need for salvation, as all have sinned and fall short of God's glory (
Romans 3:23).
3.
The Righteousness of God Apart from the LawPaul introduces the concept of righteousness from God that is independent of the Law, yet attested by the Law and the Prophets (
Romans 3:21). This righteousness is accessible through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe (
Romans 3:22). The Greek term for righteousness (δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosynē) is central to understanding God's just character and His provision for human justification.
4.
Justification by FaithJustification is presented as a gift of God's grace, achieved through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (
Romans 3:24). This theme underscores the doctrine of justification by faith, not by works, as God justifies those who have faith in Jesus (
Romans 3:28). The Greek word for justification (δικαίωσις, dikaiōsis) conveys the legal declaration of righteousness.
5.
God's Justice and MercyPaul explains how God can be both just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus (
Romans 3:26). This theme addresses the divine balance of justice and mercy, as God demonstrates His righteousness while providing a means for human salvation through Christ's sacrificial death.
6.
Exclusion of BoastingThe principle of faith excludes boasting, as justification is not based on human effort or adherence to the Law, but on faith (
Romans 3:27). This theme emphasizes humility and the recognition that salvation is entirely a work of God's grace.
7.
The Universality of GodPaul concludes by affirming that God is the God of both Jews and Gentiles, justifying both through faith (
Romans 3:29-30). This theme highlights the inclusivity of the gospel and God's impartiality, as He offers salvation to all people groups.
Answering Tough Questions
1.
(Romans 3:5) If our unrighteousness serves to display God’s righteousness, how can God justly condemn us for something that ultimately highlights His glory?2.(Romans 3:7) If a lie can enhance God’s truth, why are we still held responsible for sin, and doesn’t this contradict free will?
3.(Romans 3:23) Is there any scientific or historical basis to support the claim that every human being has sinned?
4.(Romans 3:21–22) How do we reconcile the idea of being made righteous “apart from the law” with Old Testament passages that emphasize strict adherence to the law?
5.(Romans 3:9) Is it fair to place Jews and Gentiles on equal footing in sin when the Old Testament sets Israel apart as God’s chosen people?
Bible Study Discussion Questions
1. How does Romans 3 influence your understanding of the human condition?
2. How does this chapter reshape your understanding of the law's purpose?
3. How does Paul's presentation of the gospel in Romans 3 affect your perception of God's character?
4. How does the concept of universal sinfulness impact your view of humanity and your personal life?
5. What does it mean for you personally that righteousness comes through faith, not works?
6. How does the notion of Jesus as a sacrifice of atonement change your perspective on God's justice and righteousness?
7. How can you apply the principle of justification by faith in your daily life?
8. How does the universality of sin challenge or affirm your understanding of equality?
9. How can Paul's teaching in Romans 3 about faith and law guide your spiritual practices?
10. In what ways does acknowledging our shared sinfulness change the way you interact with others?
11. How can the assurance of righteousness through faith impact your confidence and security in God?
12. What does it mean that God's righteousness comes through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ?
13. How can the truths in Romans 3 shape the way you present the gospel to others?
14. In your own words, explain the relationship between the law, sin, and righteousness.
15. How does the statement "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" influence your view of yourself and others?
16. What role does faith play in your personal journey to righteousness?
17. How do you reconcile the seeming paradox of a righteous God providing a way for sinners to be justified?
18. How can you live differently today knowing you are justified by faith?
19. How does Romans 3 deepen your appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice?
20. How does the truth of justification by faith help in dealing with feelings of guilt or inadequacy?
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