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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS

CHAPTER THREE:
“Universal Condemnation”

[“All Sin”]
Key word: Justice
Theme Verse: 23

Romans 3:1-6 – The Advantage of the Jew

RO3:1 What, then, is the advantage of being a Jew? 148 Or, what is the benefit 149 of the circumcision? 150

148	The advantage of being a Jew: Paul’s argument thus far could be interpreted as indicating the Jews had no advantage over the non-Jew who by nature kept the law. Compare the Nazarene at John 4:22.

149	What is the benefit: Or, KJV: profit; KNX: value.

150	Circumcision: Circumcision will remain an issue within the early Church for thirty years. (Acts 15:1) Paul deals with the circumcision “problem” in many of his epistles.

RO3:2 Very much in many ways. 151 Primarily, indeed, because [the Jews] were entrusted with the Word of The God. 152

151

Very much in many ways: Or, TCN: great in every way; GDS: a great deal, from every point of view. The Hebrews and the Jews have always been in a unique relationship with God. He has dealt with the ancient patriarchs as well as the nation from 1500 BC to 33 AD. Additionally, Daniel foretold a period grace for the Jews from 29-36 AD.

152

[The Jews] were entrusted with the Word of The God: The Greek is LOGIA and is also rendered: KJV: oracles; NW: sacred pronouncements; TCN: utterances; MOF: scriptures. The Jews, or Hebrews, were used in the composition and publishing of the Holy Scriptures. Every book of the Bible was written or edited by Jews, including the Christian Scriptures. Compare Deuteronomy 4:8; Psalm 147:19. Not only were the books written by Jews but it is because of their obsession with accuracy in making copies that the Bible is available today. Additionally at critical times, such as during the Roman occupation and desolating of Jerusalem between 66 and 73 godly Jews hid the Scriptures in earthenware jars in caves.

RO3:3 For, if some [Jews] did not believe, will their disbelief make God’s trustworthiness ineffectual? 153

153

Will their disbelief make God’s trustworthiness ineffectual: Or, KJV: their unbelief make the faith of God without effect; TCN: will their want of faith make God break with faith. Paul’s arguments above have dealt with Jews who apostatized from God. What affect does their rebellion and lack of faith have on God’s faithfulness? None. Compare Numbers 23:19 and Isaiah 55:11. In this context note the curse pronounced on the Jews for failure to keep the Law. [Deuteronomy chapter 28]

RO3:4 May that never occur! 154 Rather, let The God be true though every human a liar. 155 [Psalm 116:11] Just as it is written: “For surely You will be vindicated in Your Words 156 and victorious in Your Judgments!” [Psalm 51:5]

154	May that never occur: Or, KJV: God forbid; KNX: it is not to be thought of; WMS: not at all; CON: that be far from us; PME: of course not; NASB: may it never be. This is a phrase Paul uses about ten times in Romans.

155

Let The God be true though every human a liar: A possible allusion to Psalm 116:11. Or, KJV: let God be true, but every man a liar; PME: let us think of God as true, even if every living man be proved a liar. Mankind’s evil, or the wickedness brought about by them during many millennia, is no proof that God is without a purpose.

156	You will be vindicated in Your Words: A quote of Psalm 51:4 [50:6 in the LXX]. Compare Isaiah 55:11. No matter what humankind does, no matter how long it may seem to take, God will be vindicated in His words and His way of judging will be victorious.

RO3:5 However, if our injustice confirms the justice of The God, 157 why does He still inflict His wrath? 158 I speak in a human way. 159

157

If our injustice confirms the justice of The God: This is likely an argument from Paul’s “Jew.” Or, KJV: if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God; TCN: make God’s righteousness all the clearer; NOR: serve to magnify. If the evil humans do manifest God’s judgments, why would God be wrathful with those who serve to magnify His justice?

158	Why does He still inflict His wrath: Or, KJV: Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance; TCN: will God be wrong in inflicting punishment; TAY: is it fair, then, for Him to punish us when our sins are helping Him.

159	I speak in a human way: Or, WEY: I use a human analogy; GDS: I am putting it in ordinary human terms.

RO3:6 May that never occur! Otherwise, how will The God judge the world of humankind? 160

160

How will The God judge the world of humankind: The Greek word is KOSMON [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2889] and literally means an arrangement (English, cosmetics). Or, KNX: this would mean that God has no right to judge the world. God will judge men and angels in that Day. (Acts 17:31; 1 Corinthians 6:1, 2)

Romans 3:7-8 – Why Am I Being Judged?

RO3:7 However, if my lie makes the truth of The God abound to His glory, 161 why am I still being judged as a sinner? 162

161

If my lie makes the truth of The God abound to His glory: Paul now departs from his “Jew” and speaks in the first and third person as a Jew himself. Or, he may speak as his Jewish opposer. He poses a rhetorical question arising out of the previous paragraph. It seems likely these arguments are real ones Paul has faced from the rabbinical Jews. Or, TCN: if my falsehood redounds to the glory of God, by making his truthfulness more apparent; GDS: But, you say, if a falsehood of mine has brought great honor to God by bringing out his truthfulness.

162	Why am I still being judged as a sinner: Or, WMS: why am I condemned as a sinner; KNX: I on my side do not deserve to be condemned.

RO3:8 Also, just as we are falsely accused by some who assert we say, 163 “Let us practice badness so goodness may occur.” 164 Their judgment is deserved! 165

163	We are falsely accused by some who assert we say: By the use of “we” Paul does not mean the Jews, but the Christians, who are being accused blasphemously of teaching a certain falsehood. See the notes on Romans 6:1.

164	Let us practice badness so goodness may occur: Or, KJV: let us do evil, that good may come; TCN: slanderously assert; ABU: slanderously reported. See notes on Romans 6:1.

165

Their judgment is deserved: Or, KJV: whose condemnation is just; MON: such arguments are rightly condemned. These slanderous accusers who speak falsely of Christian teaching deserve their punishment. See notes on Romans 1:29, 30. It is a serious matter to misrepresent what another teaches with the motive to deceive.

Romans 3:9-18 – All Under Sin’s Condemnation

RO3:9 What, then? Are we [Jews] better off? 166 Not at all! For above we have made the charge 167 that both Jews and Greeks are all under [the condemnation of] sin. 168

166	Are we [Jews] better off: Paul likely means the Jews whose advantage he mentioned above.

167	For above we have made the charge: By “we” here he may mean the Christians. Or, KJV: we have before proved; TCN: our indictment; PME: I have shown above.

168	Both Jews and Greeks are all under [the condemnation of] sin: He may mean Romans 2:5, 6, 9, 10. Compare notes on Romans 3:23 and Romans 5:12.

RO3:10 Just as it has been written: 169 “There is none righteous, not one! 170

169

Just as it has been written: Paul now burst forth with a flurry of Scripture from the Hebrew Bible to prove his point that all, Jews and Greeks, are under sin. The various phrases are found in similar locations in the Psalms. Compare Psalm 14:1-3 and Psalm 53:1-3. In Paul’s argument it cannot be missed that all are sinners because of their mouths!

170	There is none righteous, not one: Compare Psalm 14:1; Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20.

RO3:11 None understand! 171 None search for The God! 172

171	None understand: Or, RHM: discerneth; NWT: has any insight. (Psalm 14:2; Psalm 53:2)

172	None search for The God: Compare Acts 17:29-31. (Proverbs 2:1-7)

RO3:12 All have turned away! 173 They are all together useless! 174 None are kind! 175 Not so much as one! [Psalm 14:1-3]

173	All have turned away: Or, KJV: they are all gone out of the way; MON: served from the right path; KNX: all are on the wrong course.

174	They are all together useless: Or, KJV: profitable; MOF: gone wrong; GDS: worthless; MON: become corrupt; BER: utterly useless.

175	None are kind: Or, KJV: none doeth good; KNX: not one of them acts honourably; NEB: show kindness.

RO3:13 Their throat is an open grave! 176 Their tongues are deceitful! 177 [Psalm 5:9] A poisonous serpent is behind their lips! 178 [Psalm 140:3]

176	Their throat is an open grave: Or, KJV: open sepulchre; KNX: gaping tombs; TAY: their talk is foul and filthy like the stench from an open grave. The tongue is often evidence of sin against all. Compare notes on James 1:26; 3:2-12.

177	Their tongues are deceitful: Or, MOF: treacherous; TAY: loaded with lies.

178	A poisonous serpent is behind their lips: Or, KJV: the poison of asps is under their lips; TAY: everything they say has in it the sting and poison of deadly snakes.

RO3:14 Their mouths are full of bitter cursing! 179 [Psalm 10:7]

179	Their mouths are full of bitter cursing: Or, KJV: mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; KNX: overflows with curses and calumny.

RO3:15 Their feet are quick to shed blood! 180 [Proverbs 1:16]

180	Their feet are quick to shed blood: Or, TAY: quick to kill; KNX: hot-foot to shed blood.

RO3:16 Their way is one of ruin and misery! 181 [Isaiah 59:7]

181	Their way is one of ruin and misery: Or, KJV: destruction and misery are in their ways; TCN: distress and trouble dog their steps; GDS: ruin and wretchedness mark their paths.

RO3:17 The peaceful way they know not! 182 [Psalm 59:8]

182	The peaceful way they know not: Or, KJV: they way of peace they have not known; BER: path of peace they have no experience.

RO3:18 There is no fear of God before their eyes!” 183 [Psalm 36:1]

183	There is no fear of God before their eyes: Or, KNX: they do not keep the fear of God before their eyes; NEB: reverence for God does not enter their thoughts.

Romans 3:19-26 – Freely Pronounced Innocent

RO3:19 However, we realize that whatever the Law 184 says it speaks to those [Jews] under the Law, 185 so that every mouth may be shut 186 [Psalm 63:11] and all the world of humankind may come under the judgment of The God. 187

184

The Law: The Greek is TO NOMO [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3551]. The Greek has the article and contextually we can draw the conclusion that this is the Mosaic Law. Paul uses the word “law” with and without the article 84 times in Romans. A law is a rule of conduct for which there is a sanction. In Romans Paul will use the word law in half a dozen different ways. [The Bible Translator, The United Bible Societies: “The word ‘law’ requires individual attention. The article indicates a particular law, or the Mosaic law; without the article, reference may be to ‘law’ as a principle.”]

185	It speaks to those [Jews] under the Law: Or, TCN: is addressed to those who are under its authority. (Galatians 3:24)

186

So that every mouth may be shut: This may allude to Psalm 63:11. Particularly Paul’s “Jew” above. These mouths will not be able to lay a charge of injustice against God. One of these “mouths” will be Satan’s and all his atheistic minions. Or, WEY: every mouth may be silenced; PME: every excuse may die on the lips; NEB: so that no one may have anything to say in self-defense.

187

All the world of humankind may come under the judgment of The God: Most will read “the world.” However, God’s judgment is not just against the planet earth but also against rebellious celestial beings. (Acts 17:31; 1 Corinthians 6:2; Revelation 20:7-14) See notes elsewhere on world or cosmos. Compare the notes on Ephesians 6:12 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. No living being in all the created universe will escape the judgment of God.

RO3:20 Because by works of the Law 188 all [Jewish] flesh in His sight is never pronounced innocent 189 [Psalm 143:2].

188

By works of the Law: No Jew will ever attain in the flesh a true righteousness before God by observing the Law of Moses. However, the notes on Romans 2:12-16 would indicate that all the Jews resurrected to judgment will be judged by their own Law. Perhaps a frightful thought. Compare notes on Matthew 16:27 and Mark 8:38. It is important to note that when Paul sometimes mentions “works” he is dealing with works of the Mosaic Law.

189	All [Jewish] flesh in His sight is never pronounced innocent: Possibly an allusion to Psalm 143:2. In the LXX (142:2) this is: OTI OU DIKAIOTHESETAI ENOPION SOU PAS ZON. Note Paul’s speech in the synagogue at Acts 13:39. (Galatians 3:11)

RO3:21 But, at present, without the Law, God’s righteousness has been revealed 190 just as testified about through the Law and the Prophets. 191

190	But, at present, without the Law, God’s righteousness has been revealed: Or, KJV: now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested; WMS: now God’s way of giving men right standing with Himself has come to light without connection with the law.

191	Just as testified about through the Law and the Prophets: Or, KJV: being witnessed by the law and the prophets; GDS: bear witness to it. Compare Isaiah 53:11; Jeremiah 31:34; Daniel 9:24. (Numbers 21:9; Hebrews 10:1)

RO3:22 Even God’s righteousness by means of belief in Jesus Christ and [righteousness] unto all those who believe 192 – for there is no distinction 193 [between Jew and Greek].

192	All those who believe: Or, KJV: which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe; MOF: which comes by believing in Jesus Christ. And it is meant for all those who have faith.

193	For there is no distinction: Or, Con: for there is no difference [between Jew and Gentile]; WEY: no distinction is made. (Galatians 3:28)

RO3:23 For they all sinned 194 and fall short of the glory of The God. 195

194	For they all sinned: Traditionally, this is “all have sinned,” though “they” is suggested in the verb HEMARTON (they sinned). “They” would refer back to Jew and non-Jew discussed above. (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 5:12) See notes on Romans 5:12.

195

Fall short of the glory of The God: Perhaps a play on the Greek for “sin” as an archer’s arrow falls or comes short of the target. (Isaiah 64:6) Or, KNX: unworthy; CON: none have attained; TCN: fall short of God’s glorious ideal; MON: lack; BER: fall short of being any glory to God; NEB: deprived of the divine splendour.

RO3:24 As a gift given freely, by His unmerited favor, 196 they are pronounced innocent by the atonement in Christ Jesus. 197

196

As a gift given freely, by His unmerited favor: Or, KJV: being justified freely by his grace; BAS: have righteousness put to their credit, freely, by His grace; WMS: anybody may have right standing with God as a free gift of His undeserved favor. See notes on Romans 5:17 and Romans 6:23 and Ephesians 1:7. Grace is unmerited charity shown to someone who is not worthy.

197

They are pronounced innocent by the atonement in Christ Jesus: Or, KNX: justification; RHM: declared righteous; WEY: acquitted; BAS: put to their credit; KJV: redemption; CON: ransom. See notes on Matthew 20:28. (1 Timothy 2:6; 1 Peter 2:24; Revelation 5:9) “Atonement” comes from the Greek HILASTERION [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2435, expiation, propitiation] (from which comes the English “hilarity”) meaning “propitiation” as in “propitious.”

RO3:25 [It is him] whom The God exhibited for a display 198 – as an atonement by believing in the blood [of Jesus] 199 – while in the past God tolerated the sins 200 which previously occurred,

198	Exhibited for a display: Or, TCN: set him before the world; NEB: God designed him to be the means of expiating sin by his sacrificial death. Possibly alluding to the public execution on Golgotha. (Isaiah 53:11)

199	An atonement by believing in the blood [of Jesus]: Or, KJV: propitiation through faith in his blood; RHM: propitiatory covering; CON: propitiatory sacrifice. The word “faith” (or, belief) occurs upwards of 65 times in Romans. See notes elsewhere on the meaning.

200	While in the past God tolerated the sins: Or, KJV: for the remission of sins that are past; CON: God passed over the former sins; BAS: God let the sins of earlier times go without punishment. Compare Acts 17:30. See notes on Romans 2:4.

RO3:26 exhibiting His righteousness. So, now at present, [God] is just in pronouncing innocent 201 the person believing in Jesus.

201	Pronouncing innocent: Most versions will have either “justified” or “declared righteous.”

Romans 3:27-31 – Pronounced Innocent by Belief

RO3:27 So, where is the boasting? 202 It is completely stopped. By what principle? 203 Works? Never! Rather, a principle of belief. 204

202	Where is the boasting: That is the boasting of the Jews in circumcision and keeping of the Law.

203	By what principle: Literally, by what law. As explained above the Greek word NOMO has a range of meanings: the Mosaic Law, a rule, a principle. MOF: principle; NJB: principle.

204	A principle of belief: This principle of faith becomes one of Paul’s major themes. Or, KJV: law of faith; MOF: principle.

RO3:28 For we consider that 205 a human may be pronounced innocent apart from [the] Law. 206

205	For we consider that: Or, KJV: conclude; WEY: deem; WMS: hold. A statement of belief or conviction. Paul explains what Christians affirm.

206

A human may be pronounced innocent apart from [the] Law: This is Paul’s major proposition that he will go on to prove. Or, KJV: a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law; TCN: pronounced righteous on the ground of faith; WEY: accounted righteous by faith; WMS: brought into right standing with God by faith, that observance of the law has no connection with it. Compare Acts 13:39, Galatians 2:16, James 2:24.

RO3:29 Or, is [He] The God of only the Jews, and not non-Jews? 207 Yes! Also, non-Jews!

207

Is [He] The God of only the Jews, and not non-Jews: This must have been extremely unsettling to a Jew who believed only they possessed God. Compare Acts 17:27. Isaiah 54:5, “He will be called ‘The God of the whole world.’” See notes on Romans 10:12. Note Romans 2:15, 16 and how God will judge the non-Jews by their own conscience. See notes on Ephesians 2:12.

RO3:30 Since it is the one God who will pronounce innocent 208 [Jews] out of belief and also [non-Jews] by their belief. 209

208	The one God who will pronounce innocent: Or, declared righteous, justified. It is the One God, the Father, who declares any others righteous, including his own Son. Never is it the Son or the holy spirit which justifies or declares righteous.

209	[Jews] out of belief and also [non-Jews] by their belief: Literally it is circumcision, uncircumcision.

RO3:31 So, is the Law annulled by this belief? 210 Never may that happen! Rather, we confirm the Law. 211

210	Is the Law annulled by this belief: Or, KJV: do we then make void the law; ASV: non-effective; GDS: is this using faith t overthrow law; LAM: do we nullify the law through faith. See notes on Matthew 5:17.

211	Rather, we confirm the Law: Or, KJV: we establish the law; MOF: we uphold the Law; KNX: we are setting the law on its right footing; PME: we put the Law in its proper place. See notes on Romans 8:4 and Romans 13:10.

Summary of Chapter Three

The main advantage the Jew has is the possession of the Holy Scriptures. Despite this, the Jew may argue: if my injustice magnifies God’s justice, why is He judging me? No matter how evil mankind becomes, God will be true and vindicated when He judges the entire world.

Paul either speaks for or quotes his rabbinical Jew: How can I be judged as a sinner if my lie magnifies God’s truth? This Jew and others have likely false accused (the Greek is, blasphemy) of the Christians of teaching: “Let us be bad so good may be manifest.” Such slanderous persons deserve their condemnation in the coming judgment.

The Jews are not in a better position despite the advantage of possessing the Scriptures. Paul quotes a handful of Bible verses from the Hebrew Bible to demonstrate God’s own judgment of the Jews and Greeks. It is the mouth which condemns humankind.

The Law and Prophets had pointed forward to God’s revelation of His rightness in making an atonement based on faith or belief in the blood of Jesus. This would pronounce innocent or declare “not guilty” both Jew and Greek who believed in the blood of Jesus. Both Jews and Greeks are under sin’s condemnation. It is by God’s grace of charity that the free gift of atonement is given to those who believe. God proves himself righteous in that He tolerated or overlooked the sins of the past while at present He is right or correct in justifying the person who believes in the atonement of Jesus.

Paul introduces a new law or principle, that of faith or belief. He affirms what Christians believe: a person may be justified without observance of the Law. God is God to both Jews and non-Jews and both will be justified by their belief in Jesus’ blood. Rather than abolish law, Paul says this confirms it. He explains the details of this later.

Review Questions on Chapter Three