Romans 3

Romans 3

Then what advantage has the Jew (see Acts 7:38)? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.

What is the Advantage of being a Jew? What does this tie back to?

This must tie back to the Covenants. Specifically, the Mosaic covenant (Mt Sinai). The Mosaic covenant is for everyone.

Psalms 147:19 “He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and rules to Israel[1]“ Is this descriptive or is this a different form of literature?

“the law condemns us, that is true, but the law is not the basis for our hope.

What are the “Oracles” Halakha which is the traditions of the elders –or- Mitzvot which is the 613 the Jews find in the Tanakh.

3 What if some (who is this speaking to? Jews) were unfaithful? (Unfaithful to what? keeping the oracles of God) Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Let God be true though everyone were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.”

PS 51:4 “Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment[2]“

Next, Paul expresses what human nature tries to do? Rationalize our sin.

5 But if our unrighteousness (actions that are against the law)serves to show the righteousness ( acts that uphold the law) of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) 6 By no means! For then how could God judge the world? 7 But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? 8 And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.

Basically, Paul is saying that more I sin the more God’s grace is shown. Because of this why should I be punished for sin?

Those that make themselves the final authority as to what scripture says, usually makes a mockery of what scripture says. Is this a good universal antidotal statement?

The advantage of being a Jew does not apply to salvation.

No One Is Righteous

9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written:

“None is righteous, no, not one;

11 no one understands;

no one seeks for God. See Psalms 14:1-3

12 All have turned aside (See Isa53.5); together they have become worthless;

no one does good,

not even one.”

13 “Their throat is an open grave;

they use their tongues to deceive.”

“The venom of asps is under their lips.”

14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”

15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;

16 in their paths are ruin and misery,

17 and the way of peace they have not known.”

18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

The Righteousness of God Through Faith

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law[3]

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ps 147:19. [2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ps 51:4. [3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 3:1–31.