Romans 3 Commentary

If God cares about faith and not works or heritage, what advantage do the Jewish people have? And if God cares about the heart of the individual and not merely outward actions, what benefit is circumcision?

The Jewish people still hold a special place with God.

Even though God has chosen Israel, He still allows freedom of choice. Israel, and all men, are free to choose whether to believe. So if some did not choose to believe God’s word, it is because they decided not to. God, however, is always faithful, notwithstanding.

Just because someone is not faithful to God does not mean that God is not still faithful.

Paul is presenting an argument made by the Jewish “authorities” that if our sin demonstrates the grace of God then it is not fair for God to judge us. Paul clarifies that this is a human argument that is false; God is God and He is the judge of the world.

Similarly, the competing Jewish “authorities” argue: “If my untruth reveals God’s truth, how can God judge that as sin?”

The competing Jewish “authorities” continue their argument opposing Paul, which Paul calls slander. Paul says that their condemnation (judgment) from God is just for making an untrue assertion.

Paul is making the points that all men are sinners and therefore no one man better than another.

Paul further makes his point that all are under sin by quoting the Old Testament, reiterating that we are all sinners and cannot do good apart from God.

Paul continues pointing out the sinfulness of mankind by quoting from the Old Testament.

The peace that comes from following God’s way is not known by those who pursue sin.

Those who pursue sin and wickedness do not fear God.

Paul is pointing out that no one can obey the law perfectly; the law gives us knowledge of sin and makes us accountable to God.

God has provided a way to be righteous in His sight apart from the law: by faith in Jesus Christ we are made righteous before God.

All humans have sinned and fall below God’s standard.

We are justified by faith in Christ as a free gift and we receive that gift of grace by faith.

Jesus paid the price for our sins, and by faith in him we are justified.

We have no part in our justification; there is no place for boasting, our works do nothing. Justification can only come by faith.

 Justification in God’s sight is only possible through faith; it is not possible from works or following the law.

No one is justified before God by following the law; anyone, whether they follow the law or not, can be justified by faith.

Paul points out that the law is actually upheld when we are justified by faith. When we pursue righteousness by faith, we uphold the law.