Modern Bible Commentary On Romans 3

What advantage then does the Jew have? Or what profit is there in circumcision? ² Much in every way! Chiefly because the oracles of God were entrusted to them. What if some did not believe? Would their unbelief nullify the faithfulness of God? ⁴ God forbid! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, and may prevail in your judging.”

In the previous chapter, Paul argued that merely possessing the Law of God or being outwardly circumcised will not save a person. For God shows no partiality (Rom. 2:11). Therefore, if God has brought both Jew and Gentile into union with the Father through His Son Jesus, then what advantage do the Jews have?

Paul knew the Jewish people had many advantages over the Gentile nations. For instance, the oracles of God were entrusted to them, the covenants were established for the nation of Israel, the giving of the law at Mt. Sinai unveiled the written code on man’s heart, the several instances where God rescued Israel out of bondage help solidified and strengthened the Jewish people’s trust in Yahweh. John Trapp, an Anglican theologian once said this to conclude the advantage for the Jews.

“This was their prime privilege, that they were God’s library-keepers, that this heavenly treasure was credited to them.” 

Nevertheless, the unbelief by some Jews did not nullify the faithfulness of God just like some believers today—who turn away from the living God. As Paul clearly exclaims: “Let God be true, and every man a liar.” For God is the only being who truly keeps his promises. He is the God who is faithful and just at all times.

That’s why, in the end, no matter what ethnic background we come from, God reconciled us all by the true and incarnate Christ—so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. Our redemption, justification, and glorification are not a consequence of obeying the Law; rather, they are a consequence of entrusting in the Law of God who became flesh.

Read Romans 3:5-8

Paul brings in a counter-argument concerning how the unrighteousness of man demonstrates the righteousness of God. Judas who betrayed Jesus might argue: If God knew that my betrayal would ultimately lead him to the cross to die for the sins of the world, then didn’t my bad deed lead to a utilitarian good for the rest of humanity? It is true that God used Judas’s wickedness as a means to save the world, but Judas is ultimately responsible for his sin and therefore stands guilty before the living God.

The apostle Paul states another person might argue: “Let us do evil that good may come.” However, in chapter 6, Paul makes an important point: “Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? God forbid.” The believer should not have a desire to live wickedly in order that more grace will be allotted to him or her. In fact, this way of thinking is contrary to the work of the Holy Spirit—which convicts, encourages, and strengthens the believer to conform more into the image of God.

Read Romans 3:9-19

This is truly the first step of the gospel: Admitting our guilty; for all of us have sinned and stand guilty before God. Even the most honorable people in the world have made mistakes and allowed sin to find a way into their hearts. People do not tend to think that they are morally bankrupt. When they compare themselves to others, they might actually feel morally superior and righteous before God. However, the 10 commandments alone convicts us all.

For instance, have you ever lied? Have you ever used God’s name in vain? Have you thought about something more than God? Have you been angry with another person in your heart? Has there ever been a time in your life where you felt jealously and desired to have someone or something that didn’t belong to you? If you said yes to any of these questions, you stand guilty before God.

Keep in mind: The point of the law is not solely to condemn you, but also lead you to the grace found in Jesus Christ. He who knew no sin became sin for you, so that you might receive the righteousness of God. This is the gospel of grace. This is the good news that God saves sinners. All one must do is repent and believe in this gospel.