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Romans 3

31 verses

TL;DR

Romans 3 shows that all people, Jews and Gentiles alike, are under sin and cannot be justified by the law; instead, God’s righteousness is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ.

Summary

Romans 3 begins by questioning the advantage of circumcision and the special status of Jews, pointing out that both Jews and Gentiles are equally sinful. Paul argues that the law cannot bring righteousness; it only exposes sin. He then affirms that every person is guilty, regardless of knowledge or effort. The chapter turns to God’s righteousness, which is made known through the law and the prophets. However, the true righteousness is revealed by faith in Jesus Christ, offering justification freely by grace, not by works. Paul emphasizes that faith applies to both circumcised Jews and uncircumcised Gentiles, and that faith does not nullify the law but upholds it.

Outline
  1. Universal sin of all people
  2. Inadequacy of the law for justification
  3. Justification by faith in Christ applies to all
Themes
Universal sinJustification by faithEquality of Jews and Gentiles
Keywords
sinlawfaithgracejustificationrighteousnesscircumcisionGentilesJewsChrist
People
PaulJesus ChristGod
Places
the world
Things
lawcircumcisionfaithjustificationrighteousnessgracepropitiationsin
Key Verses
  • Romans 3:23: All have sinned and fall short of God's glory.
  • Romans 3:24: Justification is freely given through grace by redemption in Christ.
  • Romans 3:28: Affirms justification by faith apart from law.
Questions
  • What does Paul mean when he says no one is righteous?
  • How does the law expose sin but fail to justify?
  • In what way does faith 'justify' both Jews and Gentiles?
  • What is the significance of the term 'propitiation'?
  • How does Paul reconcile the law with the new covenant?
Sentiment

neutral
The passage presents theological arguments without overt emotional tone.