1
If so, what advantage has the Jew, and what is the profit of circumcision?

2
Much in every way. First of all, because to them were entrusted the words of God.

3
What then? If some among them were unfaithful, will their unfaithfulness nullify the faithfulness of God?

4
By no means! Rather, let God be true, and every man a liar, as it is written:

“That You may be shown to be right in Your words,
and prevail when You are judged.”

5
But if our unrighteousness shows the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust — I speak as a man — when He brings His wrath?

6
By no means! For then how could God judge the world?

7
But if through my lie the truth of God abounds more to His glory, why am I still judged as a sinner?

8
And why not say, as we are slanderously reported to say, “Let us do evil, that good may come of it”? Such people deserve condemnation.

9
What then? Are we better than others? Not at all. For we have already charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin,

10
as it is written:

“There is none righteous, not even one.

11
There is none who understands,
there is none who seeks God.

12
All have turned aside,
they have together become worthless;
there is none who does good, not even one.

13
Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive;
the poison of vipers is under their lips.

14
Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.

15
Their feet are swift to shed blood.

16
Destruction and misery are in their ways,

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 brought under the judgment of God.

20
For by the works of the Law no one will be justified before God, for through the Law comes knowledge of sin.

21
But now, apart from the Law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,

22
even 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 by grace are justified freely through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

25
Christ Jesus was appointed by God as a place of atonement through faith, in His blood. This He did to show His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins previously committed.

26
His purpose was to show His righteousness at the present time, so that He might be just and also justify the one who has faith in Jesus.

27
Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded! On what principle? On the principle of works? No, but on the principle of faith!

28
For we hold that a person is justified by faith, apart from works of the law.

29
Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the nations? Yes, indeed. He is also the God of the nations!

30
Since there is one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised also by faith.

31
Do we then nullify the law through faith? By no means! Rather, we uphold it.

📖 Romans 3 – All Have Sinned, Righteousness by Faith

🧾 Summary of the Content

The letter Romans 3 is the climax of Paul’s discussion of human sin. After showing that both Jews and non-Jews are alike under sin, Paul emphasizes that no one is righteous before God. Yet the good news is this: the righteousness from God is now revealed apart from the law, namely through faith in Jesus Christ.

✨ Explanation by Section

1. The Advantage of the Jews (Verses 1–8)

“What advantage then has the Jew?… Much in every way. First of all, because to them were entrusted the words of God.” (verses 1–2)

• Paul explains that the Jews did indeed have a privilege because they received the word of God.
• However, their unfaithfulness does not cancel God’s faithfulness.
• He rejects the idea that human sin can be justified by claiming it displays God’s grace—that is a false thought.

💡 Lesson: God’s word is a great gift, but it must be accompanied by accountability.

2. All People Are Sinners (Verses 9–20)

“There is none righteous, not even one.” (verse 10)

• Paul cites various Old Testament passages to show that all people have sinned, both Jews and Gentiles.
• No one truly seeks God; their mouths are full of lies, and their deeds are full of violence.
• The Law does not justify, but makes people aware of their sin.

💡 Lesson: No one can be justified by their own efforts; all people need God’s help.

3. Righteousness by Faith in Jesus Christ (Verses 21–31)

“But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed…” (verse 21)

• The righteousness from God is now given through faith in Jesus Christ, and is open to everyone, without regard to origin.
• All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but are justified freely by His grace, through the redemption in Christ.
• Jesus is the atoning sacrifice (hilasterion) for sin.
• There is no room for spiritual pride; everything is based on faith, not works of the law.

💡 Lesson: Salvation is God’s grace — not the result of human effort, but a gift received through faith.

📘 Main Teachings of Romans 3

1. All people are the same before God: sinful and in need of forgiveness.
2. No one can be justified by good deeds or by the Law.
3. The righteousness of God is given as grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
4. Jesus is the atoning sacrifice that redeems the sins of humanity.
5. Spiritual pride has no place in the Gospel.

✨ Spiritual Meaning of Romans 3

Romans 3 brings everyone, whether religious or not, to the same place: we all need God’s grace. Salvation is not about what we do, but about what Christ has done. This leads us to humble ourselves, lean on the cross, and live by faith, not by our own efforts.