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ROMANS CHAPTER 3
OBSERVATION STAGE
Let's take a look at this chapter in its entirety first to see what we can observe from it alone within the context of the book of Romans, and then we will double back and provide elaboration and corroboration.
The observation stage is to teach an individual to focus on the text at hand which, by and large, has all the information necessary to understand what it is saying without going on unnecessary tangents elsewhere.
Remember that something elsewhere may be true, but in the text at hand it may not be in view.
Notice that 3:1 begins with 'What advantage, then, is2 there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision?' This continues Paul's discussion of the Jew and the value of having the Law and circumcision in chapter two. So we will begin there so as not to miss the context that chapter three continues and is a part of:
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[Excerpt from
chapter two below - or skip to verse 3:1 
]:
(v. 2:13) For it is not those who hear the Law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the Law who will be declared righteous. (v. 2:14) (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the Law, do by nature things required by the Law, they are a Law for themselves, even though they do not have the Law... (v. 2:17) "Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the Law and brag about your relationship to God; (v. 2:18) if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the Law" =
Notice that the passage now focuses intently on Jews who have the Law and are supposed to be instructed in the Law - a superior instruction (in righteousness) to what is available to Gentiles is implied, (v. 2:14); and they have a unique relationship with God as His chosen people to represent Him and His righteousness to the world which, it is implied they brag about, (v. 2:17). Evidently the Israelites are a people chosen specially by God to represent Him and His righteousness through obedience to the Law which was uniquely given to them to obey as part of this mission.
(2:17) "Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the Law and brag about your relationship to God; (v. 2:18) if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the Law." (v. 2:19) if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, (v. 2:20) an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and truth" =
Notice that it is stipulated in v. 2:20, "You have in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and truth!".
[Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, G & C Merriam Co, Springfield, USA, 1980, p. 368 provides this applicable meaning of 'embody']:
"Embody... 1 b. To make concrete and perceptible"
This is not to say that the Mosaic Law contains all knowledge and truth. The most applicable definition of the word 'embodiment' here is that the Law makes all knowledge and truth concrete and perceptible, implying that it is the source upon which knowledge and truth is built. Since God is righteous and knowledge and truth and the Law comes from God, then the knowledge and truth which the Law embodies is righteous, hence the Law is the embodiment of God's eternal righteousness.
(v. 2:13) "For it is not those who hear the Law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the Law who will be declared righteous. (v. 2:14) (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the Law, do by nature things required by the Law, they are a Law for themselves, even though they do not have the Law, (v. 2:15) since they show that the requirements of the Law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) (v. 2:16) This will take place on the day when God will judge man's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares. (v. 2:17) Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the Law and brag about your relationship to God; (v. 2:18) if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the Law; (v. 2:19) if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, (v. 2:20) an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and truth - (v. 2:21) you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? (v. 2:22) You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? (v. 2:23) You who brag about the Law, do you dishonor God by breaking the Law? (v. 2:24) As it is written: 'God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.' "
The Law evidently was provided for the Jew to rely on as part of his special relationship with God, (2:17). The Law gave the Jew the knowledge of God's will and what is superior, among other things, relative to a way of life, (2:18). While one obeys the Law it results in being declared righteous, (2:13). The Law evidently provides information which enables a Jew to be a guide for the [spiritually] blind and a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish and a teacher of [spiritual] infants, (vv. 2:19-20).
(v. 1:16) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 1:17 NKJV) For in the gospel an [eternal] righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.'... (v. 2:6) God will give to each person according to what he has done. (v. 2:7) To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life (v. 2:8) But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. (v. 2:9) There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; (v. 2:10) but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 2:11) For God does not show favoritism. (v. 2:12) All who sin apart from the Law will also perish apart from the Law, and all who sin under the Law will be judged by the Law. (v. 2:13) For it is not those who hear the Law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the Law who will be declared righteous. (v. 2:14) (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the Law, do by nature things required by the Law, they are a Law for themselves, even though they do not have the Law, (v. 2:15) since they show that the requirements of the Law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) (v. 2:16) This will take place on the day when God will judge man's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares. (v. 2:17) Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the Law and brag about your relationship to God; (v. 2:18) if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the Law. (v. 2:19) if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, (v. 2:20) an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and truth" (v. 2:21) you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? (v. 2:22) You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? (v. 2:23) You who brag about the Law, do you dishonor God by breaking the Law? (v. 2:24) As it is written: 'God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.' " (cont.) =
[Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, G & C Merriam Co, Springfield, USA, 1980, p. 116 provides an applicable definition for blasphemy]:
"blasphemy...1 a the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God."
The Jews were given the Law by God in order to represent Him to the world. They falsely claimed to rely on it and constantly violated it causing God's name to be blasphemed among the Gentiles. So the Jews evidently are to represent God relative to the Law being given to them by God and their obedience to it as God's chosen people. But their bragging about being given the Law by God as His chosen people and their relationship with God, (v. 2:17); knowing God's will and approving of what is superior because of being instructed by the Law, (v. 2:18); and being convinced that they are a guide and instructor of others, (vv. 2:19-20); their violations of the Law, (vv. 2:21-23) in the face of their utter failure to do any of this misrepresents God to the point of blasphemy.
(v. 1:16) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 1:17 NKJV) For in the gospel an eternal righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.'... (v. 2:6) God will give to each person according to what he has done. (v. 2:7) To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life (v. 2:8) But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. (v. 2:9) There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; (v. 2:10) but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 2:11) For God does not show favoritism. (v. 2:12) All who sin apart from the Law will also perish apart from the Law, and all who sin under the Law will be judged by the Law. (v. 2:13) For it is not those who hear the Law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the Law who will be declared righteous. (v. 2:14) (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the Law, do by nature things required by the Law, they are a Law for themselves, even though they do not have the Law, (v. 2:15) since they show that the requirements of the Law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) (v. 2:16) This will take place on the day when God will judge man's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares. (v. 2:17) Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the Law and brag about your relationship to God; (v. 2:18) if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the Law." (v. 2:19) if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, (v. 2:20) an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and truth" (v. 2:21) you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? (v. 2:22) You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? (v. 2:23) You who brag about the Law, do you dishonor God by breaking the Law? (v. 2:24) As it is written: 'God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.'"=
God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because the Jews dishonor God by constantly breaking the Law yet hold themselves up as superior to the Gentiles. They have a unique relationship with God as His chosen people to represent God and His righteousness to the world through obedience to the law, their unique possession. They claim they rely on it faithfully.
Verse 2:17 begins in the negative: "Now you, if you call yourself a Jew" which implies a Jew who may have fallen short of some standard. The next phrase corroborates this: "If you rely on the Law and brag about your relationship to God," which implies a certain self-righteousness and false sense of security with God and a false sense of superiority over non-Jews. Then verses 18-20 provide the possibility ("If..."), of a Jew knowing the will of God and approving of what is superior all of which is attributed to learning from the Law.
Verses 19 & 20 continues the context of: 'If you are convinced because of being instructed by the Law and relying on it' and 'If you are convinced that "you are a guide to the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and truth." ' which suggests that what they are convinced of is not true.
Verses 2:21b-23 then deal the blow of reality: that the Jew by and large has not permitted himself to actually be taught to rely on the Law; he holds a self-righteous opinion which causes him to "brag about his relationship to God" and falsely think he is a "guide to the blind" and "a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of infants." This corroborates that obeying the Law was not a way for man to achieve eternal life, but to make one conscious of sin because it embodies the perfect righteousness from God which is beyond man's capacity, (v. 2:13). The passage goes further to ask questions that implicate Jews for a number of specific things "do you steal?", "do you commit adultery?", "do you rob temples?", "do you dishonor God by breaking the Law?" which each of these questions are answered in the affirmative by verse 24: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."
(v. 2:17) Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the Law and brag about your relationship to God; (v. 2:18) if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the Law." (v. 2:19) if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, (v. 2:20) an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and truth" (v. 2:21) you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? (v. 2:22) You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? (v. 2:23) You who brag about the Law, do you dishonor God by breaking the Law? (v. 2:24) As it is written: 'God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.'" =
Verses 2:17 through 24 imply that Jews have a special responsibility to represent God and His righteousness to the world, especially through obedience to the Law which was given to them as God's chosen people which they have largely failed to live up to.
(v. 1:16) "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 1:17 NKJV) For in the gospel an eternal righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.' ... (v. 2:25) Circumcision has value if you observe the Law, but if you break the Law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised." =
(v. 1) '''The Lord had said to Abram, 'Leave you country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.'
(v. 2) 'I [God] will make you [Abram] into a great nation and I will bless you;
I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
[God's promise to Abraham to make him into a great nation and to be a blessing was a promise which was not fulfilled in Abraham's physical lifetime. It could only be fulfilled if Abraham is resurrected and permitted into the kingdom of God living eternally so as to continue to experience seeing his uncountable offspring and actually be a blessing to people of all nations as he lived on in the eternal kingdom of God]:
(v. 3) I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.'
(v. 4) So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran.
(v. 5) He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.
(v. 6) Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land.
(v. 7) The LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your seed I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.'''
"To your Seed I will give this land." =
Paul further defines the meaning of the word "Seed" in Gen 12:7, 13:15 & 24:7 as Jesus Christ Himself:
"The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his Seed. The Scripture does not say 'and to seeds,' meaning many people, but 'and to your seed,' meaning one person, who is Christ."
ii) God Promises Eternal Life To Abram
"and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." =
God is promising Abram that even after he dies, all peoples - all nations - from now on will be blessed "through" him. This is saying that through Abram's procreation - which has not had one child born to him yet - the nations of the world will be forever blessed. Abram soon thereafter understood this as the ultimate blessing - eternal life in the kingdom of God through his seed, a Savior, (Who is Jesus Christ):
[Jesus said]:"Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing My day; he saw it and was glad."
Abram could not be a blessing to the nations of the world unless God was going to bring a Savior from Abram's line to provide for the sins of the world, so when Abram followed God's instructions indicated in Gen 12:1 by leaving his home, his business, the highly developed civilization in Ur and even his people including his family and set out to an unknown, wilderness land, [remember that Abraham was a wealthy man, (v 5)], this was tantamount to expressing his faith in God's promises of future blessing for himself and the nations of the world through a coming Savior. Therefore, Abram's believing in God's promises of the future would include his personal salvation. Abram would be justified, i.e., become a born again man upon his trusting in God's provision of a future Savior through his line which Scripture records occurred later on when God reiterated His promise to Abram in Gen 15:1-6.
At that time Abram would trust in God's promises, which is tantamount to trusting in God's promise of the blessing of salvation through a coming Man, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. God then would credit Abraham with His divine righteousness unto eternal life. For God promised that Abraham would find that the number of his offspring would be beyond counting and only through Abraham's seeing the kingdom of God, i.e., having eternal life, could God fulfill this promise to bless Abram by seeing his countless offspring in the kingdom.
2) God Repeats His Promise To Abram
(v. 14) "And the LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, 'Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward;
(v. 15) for all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your Seed [Jesus Christ, (Gal 3:16)] forever."
3) Abram Believes In God's Promise And God Credits It To Abram As Righteousness Unto Eternal Life
(v. 1:16) "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 1:17 NKJV) For in the gospel an eternal righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.' "
Notice that being declared by God as having an eternal righteousness from Him is unto salvation unto eternal life. The righteousness which Abram received when he believed in God's plan for him confirmed God's promise of eternal life.
(v. 1) "After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:
'Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward.'
(v. 2) But Abram said, 'O Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?'
(v. 3) And Abram said, 'You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.'
(v. 4) Then the word of the Lord came to him: 'This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.'
(v. 5) He took him outside and said, 'Look up at the heavens and count the stars - if indeed you can count them.' Then he said to him, 'So shall your offspring [lit. your Seed"] be.'
[" 'So shall your offspring ([lit. your Seed") be.' " =
In order for Abram to have countless offspring and be blessed by it in his own life he would have to have eternal life. The next verse indicates that God credited His perfect righteousness to Abram which is to say that Abram was granted entry into the kingdom of heaven, i.e., eternal life when he died]:
(v. 6) Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness."
So God presents a picture to Abraham to affirm His promise of an heir - an actual physical heir who was to come through the loins of Abraham, (Gen 15:4). This picture was 'painted' by God across the star studded night time heavens. An uncountable number of stars were visible to Abraham. God promised that just as the universe contained such an innumerable number of stars, so would be numbered the descendants of Abraham. This picture gave to Abraham the concept of him seeing countless numbers of descendants - a picture of his having eternal life in order for this to be possible. And so, Abraham was promised by God to have an infinite number of descendants evidently over an infinitely long lifetime, i.e., eternal life. When Abraham believed in God's promise of eternal life, God acounted to Abraham His righteousness. That is to say that Abraham was credited with God's perfect righteousness in conjunction with God's promise to Abraham of eternal life which evidently is required in order to have eternal life. This is the definition of justification unto eternal life: to be declared righteous by God. And note that it was received by a moment of faith alone. This cannot be misconstrued to mean that Abraham did or was expected to do anything in order to be perfectly righteous in his lifestyle. There is no stipulation to that effect in the passage.
So Gen 15:5-6 is not just a picture of Abraham's countless descendants living long after he died and had gone into the Lake of Fire. What would be the purpose of that if Abraham would never see them - being condemned to the Lake of Fire? Why would God make such a promise to Abraham if Abraham had no chance of ever seeing them in person, i.e., having eternal life? So this indeed was a picture of God's promise to Abraham of eternal life - eternal life with countless descendants over an eternity of time.
Since a moment of faith in the gospel results in the reception of an eternal righteousness from God and eternal life, (Ro 1:16-17), then Abram's moment of faith in what God promised to him, which resulted in God declaring Abram to have an eternal righteousness from God, similarly provides eternal life for him.
So Abraham was now qualified to have eternal life by being credited by God with the absolutely perfect Righteousness of Jesus Christ as a result of his faith alone in God's plan alone of eternal life. And this eternal life would be through God's promise of providing a physical heir to Abraham whose descendancy would lead to the Messiah/Savior through Whom all the promises would be fulfilled.
(v. 2:25) "Circumcision has value if you observe the Law, but if you break the Law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised." (cont.) =
[Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, G & C Merriam Co, Springfield, Mass, U.S.A., 1980, p. 200 provides an applicable definition for the word 'circumcision']:
"Circumcision... 1 ... a Jewish rite performed on male infants as a sign of inclusion in the Jewish religious community"
(v. 1) "When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, 'I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless.
(v. 2) I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.'
(v. 3) Abram fell facedown, and God said to him,
(v. 4) 'As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations.
(v. 5) No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.
(v. 6) I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.
(v. 7) I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.
(v. 8) The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.'
(v. 9) Then God said to Abraham, 'As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come.
(v. 10) This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised.
(v. 11) You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you.
(v. 12) For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner--those who are not your offspring.
(v. 13) Whether born in your household or bought with your money, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh is to be an everlasting covenant.
(v. 14) Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant."
Circumcision is
first mentioned in the Bible as a confirmation of God's everlasting
covenant with Abram to be his God and the God of his descendants; greatly
increase Abram's numbers so that he would be a "father of many
nations" wherein kings will come from his descendants, i.e., implying
an uncountable number; and providing the whole land of Canaan for him and
his descendants as an everlasting possession - all of this implying the
reception of eternal life for Abram, now named Abraham by God which means
'father of many nations'. As a sign of the covenant, Abraham and every
male in his household including his slaves were commanded by God to be
circumcised as an everlasting covenant in their flesh. Those who were not
circumcised were to be 'cut off' from Abraham and his people and thus be
exempt from temporal blessings God might provide for Abraham and his
household. 
"No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God."
In the same way that a physically circumcised Jew is not a true Jew [in God's sight] unless he is spiritually circumcised implying that he has expressed the faith of Abraham in God's promise of eternal life and has been declared righteous, so it was with Abraham and his household. Hence physical circumcision is a symbolic representation of the righteousness of God which is received by an individual when he expresses a moment of faith in the gospel of Abraham, the gospel of all mankind.
(v. 2:25) "Circumcision has value if you observe the Law, but if you break the Law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised." (cont.) =
Abraham's circumcision is incorporated into the Mosaic Law as a rule of life for Jews to receive temporal blessings - especially for those who exercised the faith of Abraham in the gospel; and it was a demonstration to the world of the righteousness of God through faith in God's promise to Abraham, the gospel unto eternal life.
(v. 1) '''The LORD said to Moses,
(v. 2) "Say to the Israelites: 'A woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son will be ceremonially unclean for seven days, just as she is unclean during her monthly period.
(v. 3) On the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised.' " '''
Circumcision became a requirement of the Law of Moses. Male circumcision of the Jew during the Mosaic Law period was performed in order to enter the same Abrahamic covenant blessing - both temporal and eternal based on the same faith of Abraham. So, circumcision enabled the Jewish man, a physical descendant of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to come under all the blessings promised to Abraham and his descendants. For when Abraham believed in God's plan of salvation through Abraham's seed, the gospel, (Gen 15:6; Ro1:16-17), God declared Abraham righteous and later made a covenant with Him with reference to eternal life and temporal blessings for himself and his seed - his progeny.
Even non-Israelite men who wanted to be part of the Israelite people were to be circumcised (Gen 34.21-24).
The rite of circumcision was commanded to be given to a male Jew eight days after physical birth. It is a physical manifestation symbolic of a Jew having an eternal righteousness from God which is actually received if and when, at accountability, he expresses a moment of faith in the gospel which provided Abraham justification unto eternal life when he believed. It is also a male's identification with Israel affording the opportunity to receive blessings under the Covenant of Abraham and the Law of Moses as the individual obeys the Law. Note that many of the temporal blessings under the Law are only available to those who have trusted in God's promise to Abraham, the gospel, for these blessings predicate themselves upon having been declared righteous by God.
"No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God."
In the same way that a physically circumcised Jew is not a true Jew [in God's sight] unless he is spiritually circumcised implying that he has expressed the faith of Abraham in God's promise of eternal life and has been declared righteous, so it was with Abraham and his household. Hence physical circumcision is symbolic of the righteousness of God which is received by an individual when he expresses a moment of faith in God's promise to Abraham, the gospel. Furthermore, it denoted the putting aside of human works in order to qualify for entrance into the Kingdom of God.
Finally, circumcision has a certain temporal value:
While one observes the Law which embodies God's righteousness, circumcision is a testimony to the world that it represents one being an Israelite, one of God's chosen people, a descendant of Abraham, Issac and Jacob who is to represent to the world, God's righteousness.
On the other hand, while a Jew is breaking the Law, he is not representing the righteousness of God which circumcision symbollically and the Law actually stand for. Breaking the Law also puts the Jew outside of receiving temporal blessings of the Law. During that time it is as if one had not been circumcised relative to ones testimony as an Israelite of God's righteousness to the world. Notice that the phrase "you have become as though you had not been circumcised," in the context of its passage in Romans 2:25, does not cancel the reality of the physical circumcision nor the reality of having received an eternal righteousness from God if the Jew had expressed a moment of faith in God's promise to Abraham, the gospel. Breaking the Law causes the circumcised Israelite to not reflect the temporal message of his physical circumcision to the world of his representation of Israel, God's chosen people who are to representt God's righteousness to the world. It is "as though [he] had not been circumcised"
(v. 1:17 NKJV) "For in the gospel an eternal righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.'... (v. 2:13) For it is not those who hear the Law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the Law who will be declared righteous... (v. 2:25) Circumcision has value if you observe the Law, but if you break the Law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised." =
Circumcision is symbolically connected with observing the requirements of the Law. The Law is an embodiment of God's righteousness, (v. 2:13). The reception of God's righteousness via human doing, which requires an absolute persistence in doing good, (vv. 2:6-11), has already been implied as impossible via human doing except via a moment of faith alone in Christ alone, the gospel, (vv. 1:2-4, 16-17).
On the other hand, during the times when a Jew observes the Law, he actively participates in the blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant and the Law, and represents the righteousness of God in the Law by his actions, all of which are symbolically represented by the Jew's physical circumcisions.
(v. 2:13) For it is not those who hear the Law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the Law who will be declared righteous.... (v. 2:23) You who brag about the Law, do you dishonor God by breaking the Law? (v. 2:24) As it is written: 'God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.' (v. 2:25) Circumcision has value if you observe the Law, but if you break the Law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised." =
Circumcision has certain temporal value as a testimony to the world of what it symbolically represents while a Jew observes the Law, which the Law embodies God's righteousness. Notice that "It is those who obey the Law who will be declared righteous" by God, therefore the requirements of the Law must be righteous, (v. 2:13). On the other hand, while a Jew is not obeying the Law he is unrighteous and during that time it is "as though you had not been circumcised" because circumcision is supposed to be a symbol of one of God's chosen people representing God and His righteousness to the world, "for God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you:"
(v. 2:23) You who brag about the Law, do you dishonor God by breaking the Law? (v. 2:24) As it is written: 'God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.'
peritomE ......men ....gar Ophelei ean ........nomon prassEs .......ean de
Circumcision indeed for .profits ..if ...[the] Law ....you practice if ....but [= but if] [you are a]
..................................................................................V_PAS2S
parabatEs ....nomou .........Es ..........hE peritomE ......sou ..akrobustia ........gegonen
transgressor of [the] Law you are ..the circumcision your .uncircumcision .has become
........................................V_PAS2S ..your circumcision has become uncircumcision,
........................................................."it has become as though you have not been circumcised.
Although the definite article does not appear before "nomon" = law, the particular law in view considering that circumcision and Jews are in view is the Mosaic Law. The two verbs "prassEs" and "Es" are in the subjunctive mood following the conjunction "ean" = "if", signifying a third class "if-then" statement wherein the action is objectively possible, i.e., 'maybe you will break the Law, maybe you won't'. In view then is a temporal condition wherein one who is circumcised may not be observing the Law in a particular segment of time whereupon the conclusion during that time is that "your circumcision has become your uncircumcision", i.e., you have become as though you have not been circumcised.
Since circumcision represents the righteousness of God, then when a Jew who is circumcised is not faithful to the Law for the moment, his lifestyle is not demonstrating the righteousness of God and it is as if he had not been circumcised. The physical circumcision does not disappear with an infraction of the Law, nor does any infraction of the Law negate the righteous standing an individual has before God received when he believed in God's promise to Abraham, the gospel. When a Jew acts for the moment in accordance with the righteousness he has been declared as his possession by keeping the righteous requirements of the Law, he is representative of what that circumcision represents: the righteousness from God.
(v. 2:13) For it is not those who hear the Law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the Law who will be declared righteous. (v. 2:14) (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the Law, do by nature things required by the Law, they are a Law for themselves, even though they do not have the Law, (v. 2:15) since they show that the requirements of the Law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them....(v. 2:25) Circumcision has value if you observe the Law, but if you break the Law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. (v. 2:26) If those who are not circumcised keep the Law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? =
During those times uncircumsized Gentiles are keeping the righteous requirements of the Law, "they are a law for themselves even though they do not have the Law" in the sense of demonstrating behavior that represents the righteousness of God. They are thus regarded as being circumcised in the sense that they represent God and His righteousness which is embodied in the Law. Just as for the Jew, circumcision has temporal value as a testimony to the world of what it symbolically represents while the Jew observes the Law which the Law represents God's righteousness; so while "Those who are not circumcised keep the Law's requirements" exemplifying for the moment the righteousness of God, "will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised" in the sense of being representative to the world of God's righteousness?
(v. 2:14) (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the Law, do by nature things required by the Law, they are a Law for themselves, even though they do not have the Law, (v. 2:15) since they show that the requirements of the Law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them....(v. 2:25) Circumcision has value if you observe the Law, but if you break the Law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. (v. 2:26) If those who are not circumcised keep the Law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? (v. 2:27) The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the Law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a Lawbreaker." =
During those times uncircumsized Gentiles are keeping the righteous requirements of the Law they will condemn before God the Jew while he is a lawbreaker who claims superiority, having the written code and physical circumcision but acting as if he has not been circumcised.
(v. 2:17) "Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the Law and brag about your relationship to God. (v. 2:25) Circumcision has value if you observe the Law, but if you break the Law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. (v. 2:26) If those who are not circumcised keep the Law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? (v. 2:27) The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the Law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a Lawbreaker. (v. 2:28) A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. (v. 2:29) No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God" =
In view in verse 2:28 is an outward Jew, i.e., a man who is a physical descendant of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The verse stipulates that an outward, (physical), Jew must be a Jew in another sense: an inward one via circumcision of the heart by the Spirit - by faith in the gospel, not by the Law, in order to be declared a Jew in God's sight. Gentiles and Christians are NOT in view in this verse
This inward qualification is stipulated as a "circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code", i.e., not by human doing. Notice that the context here does not include Gentiles or Christians; for no one in either group can claim to be an "outward" (physical) Jew, nor be obligated to observe the Law.
(v. 2) "The gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures (v. 3) regarding His Son, Who as to His human nature was a descendant of David, (v. 4) and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
(v. 1:16) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 1:17 NKJV) For in the gospel an eternal righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.'
(v. 2:25) "Circumcision has value if you observe the Law, but if you break the Law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. (v. 2:26) If those who are not circumcised keep the Law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? (v. 2:27) The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the Law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a Lawbreaker. (v. 2:28) A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. (v. 2:29) No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God" (cont.) =
Circumcision
of the heart is stipulated as a circumcision by the Spirit evidently in
the spiritual realm. The word "heart" refers in Scripture to the
center of thinking, the mind
Since circumcision is a removal of something by definition; and the phrase
"by the Spirit" refers to a spiritual condition that is removed,
i.e., that which is removed such that one receives the righteousness from
God, which is imputed by God at the moment of faith alone in Christ alone
unto eternal life, (vv. 1:2-4, 16-17), the key theme of this chapter; then
it is evident that what is removed is an individual's accountability for
his sins unto an eternal righteousness from God. Notice that this inward,
spiritual circumcision- removal of accountability for ones sins by the
Spirit unto an imputation of an eternal righteousness from God is NOT
accomplished by the written code, i.e., obedience to it, i.e., any human
doing.
(v. 2) "The gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures (v. 3) regarding His Son, Who as to His human nature was a descendant of David, (v. 4) and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
(v. 1:16) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 1:17 NKJV) For in the gospel an eternal righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.'
(v. 2:25) "Circumcision has value if you observe the Law, but if you break the Law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. (v. 2:26) If those who are not circumcised keep the Law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? (v. 2:27) The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the Law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a Lawbreaker. (v. 2:28) A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. (v. 2:29) No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God" =
Such a man's praise of another for being a godly Jew, which implies having an imputed righteousness from God, comes not as a result of human doing, but as a result of the work of God. Human doing via keeping the "written code" did not accomplish becoming a Jew inwardly wherein an eternal righteousness from God is evident as having been imputed to him; rather it came by the "circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit" Hence such praise is from, i.e., sourced in God alone.
*********** END OF EXCERPT*********
(v. 3:1) "What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision?"
(v. 1:16) "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 1:17 NKJV) For in the gospel an eternal righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.' (v. 2:9) There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; (v. 2:10) but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." (v. 2:17) Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the Law and brag about your relationship to God; (v. 2:18) if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the Law; (v. 2:19) if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, (v. 2:24) As it is written: 'God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.' (v. 2:25) Circumcision has value if you observe the Law, but if you break the Law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. (v. 2:27) The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the Law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a Lawbreaker. (v. 2:28) A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. (v. 2:29) No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God. (v. 3:1) What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision?" =
After what has been said about Jews being in the first position for God's bestowal of trouble and distress or glory, honor and peace, (vv. 2:9-10); being given the Law, having a unique relationship with God, knowing thereby God's will and being instructed in the Law, (vv. 2:17-18); having circumcision representing the righteousness of God as one observes the Law and which righteousness is imputed to one upon believing in the gospel, (2:25; 1:16-17); and considering the previous context of the Jews' persistent failure to respond properly to these things that God has provided for them throughout history, (2:17-24), author Paul asks two questions:
1) "What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew?"
2) "or, what value is there in circumcision?"
This either/or question is an affirmation that the word "circumcision" refers to those who are Jews. Paul is investigating the advantage and value of being a Jew or of circumcision respectively. Circumcision was implied to be a physical sign of being a Jew, (vv. 2:25-29).
(v. 3:2) "Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God."
(v. 1:16) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 1:17 NKJV) For in the gospel an eternal righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.' (v. 1:18) The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, (v. 2:17) Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the Law and brag about your relationship to God; (v. 2:18) if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the Law; (v. 2:19) if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, (v. 2:20) an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and truth - (v. 2:21) you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? (v. 2:22) You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? (v. 2:23) You who brag about the Law, do you dishonor God by breaking the Law? (v. 2:24) As it is written: 'God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.' (v. 2:25) Circumcision has value if you observe the Law, but if you break the Law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. (v. 2:26) If those who are not circumcised keep the Law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? (v. 2:27) The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the Law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a Lawbreaker. (v. 2:28) A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. (v. 2:29) No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God. (v. 3:1) What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? (v. 3:2) Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God." =
Paul provides a "first of all" answer to his question of "What advantage is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision" with "Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God", (v. 3:2).
Notice that both questions, "What advantage is there in being a Jew?", "Or what value is there in circumcision?" are anwered by the one answer in verse 3:2, hence both questions are intimately related and have Jews in view. The phrase "First of all" in verse 3:2 which begins the verse which answers the questions posed in v. 3:1, implies that there is more than one answer to the questions. The entire passage, however, only provides this one answer. Other answers can be found elsewhere in Scripture.
Verse 3:2
stipulates that there is much advantage in being a Jew and much value in
being circumcised in every way! The phrase "The very
words of God" refers to the actual words of God spoken directly to
the Israelites and relayed to them through others in times past,
especially to and through Abraham and the patriarchs, Moses, the prophets
and the Law, and most especially those actual words of God recorded in
Scripture. The concept of being entrusted with the very words of God
conveys the responsibility of faith and obedience to them and preservation
and communication of those words to the world. This responsibility was
implied in vv. 2:17-25, wherein the Jew, the one who is circumcised, is
directed to obey the Law as an Israelite and as the mandate of his
circumcision in order to represent the righteousness of God to the world
giving value to his circumcision.
(v. 1:16) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 1:17 NKJV) For in the gospel an eternal righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.' (v. 1:18) The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, (v. 2:17) Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the Law and brag about your relationship to God; (v. 2:18) if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the Law; (v. 2:19) if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, (v. 2:20) an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and truth - (v. 2:21) you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? (v. 2:22) You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? (v. 2:23) You who brag about the Law, do you dishonor God by breaking the Law? (v. 2:24) As it is written: 'God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.' (v. 2:25) Circumcision has value if you observe the Law, but if you break the Law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. (v. 2:26) If those who are not circumcised keep the Law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? (v. 2:27) The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the Law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a Lawbreaker. (v. 2:28) A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. (v. 2:29) No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God. (v. 3:1) What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? (v. 3:2) Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God." =
The first advantage for being a Jew, the first value of circumcision, is being entrusted with the very words of God. This means that the very words of God are immediately available to the Jews, those of the circumcision, giving them the advantage and value of representing God and His righteousness to all the world. Since God expects ALL men to be righteous or else receive condemnation, (Ro 1:18), it is an advantage and of great value to be entrusted with the very words of God which embody and instruct one in the righteousness of God to avoid His eternal and temporal condemnation through faith and obedience respectively and instead receive the imputation of God's righteousness through faith in the gospel which is inherent in the very words of God as well as temporal blessings through obedience to God's very words.
(v. 3:3) "What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness?"
(v. 3:1) What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? (v. 3:2) Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God. (v. 3:3) What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness?" =
First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God spoken to them and relayed to them through others in times past, especially to and through Abraham and the patriarchs, Moses, the prophets and the Law; and most especially those actual words of God recorded in Scripture. The concept of being entrusted with the very words of God conveys the responsibility of faith and obedience to them and preservation and communication of those words to the world. Paul then asks, "What if some did not have faith?" i.e., what if some were not true to this entrusting and did not represent God's righteousness by observing the Law and did not properly convey the very words of God to the world as God's representatives? Paul then follows this with another related question, "Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness?" The fact that Paul poses this question implies that (1) the Jews do have a responsibility to be faithful to the very words of God, and (2) God has conveyed promises to the world through His very words which were entrusted to the Jews. In view of the lack of faith of the Jews to live up to their responsibility to the very words of God, Paul asks whether or not this unfaithfulness nullifies God's faithfulness to His promises in His very words.
(v. 3:4) "Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."
(v. 3:3) "What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? (v. 3:4) Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: 'So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.' "=
Paul's answer as to whether or not the Jews' unfaithfulness will nullify God's faithfulness to His promises in His very words is answered in the negative, literally: "May it not be!", followed by a reference to Psalms 116:11 and 51:4.
(v. 1) "I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
(v. 2) Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.
(v. 3) The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
(v. 4) Then I called on the name of the LORD: 'O LORD, save me!'
(v. 5) The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.
(v. 6) The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.
(v. 7) Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
(v. 8) For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,
(v. 9) that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
(v. 10) I believed; therefore I said, 'I am greatly afflicted.'
(v. 11) And in my dismay I said, 'All men are liars.' "
[The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Old Testament, Victor Books, USA, 1988, Walvoord & Zuck, Eds, p. 877]:
"116:7-11. He [the psalmist] then drew lessons from his experience for others to follow. First, believers can return and rest because God delivers from death (vv. 7-8). The psalmist's suffering and anxiety had been removed so that he could lead a peaceful and tranquil life of service.
Second, God delivers those in need so that they may live obediently before Him (v. 9).
Third, God is the only One Who is completely trustworthy (vv. 10-11). The words 'I believed' refer to verse 9b, that is, he believed that he would live. This was his confidence, even though he was greatly afflicted, and felt that he had been deceived by all (who apparently had said he would not be delivered). Faced with certain death, he knew that God was trustworthy, so he cried out to Him."
"[David said] Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge."
So Paul is using Scripture to reinforce his answer as to whether the Jews' lack of faith nullifies God's faithfulness. The phrase "Let God be true and every man a liar", (Ro 3:4), points to Psalm 116:11 which indicates that only God is trustworthy, and all men are liars. The phrase "so that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge" comes from Psalm 51:4 which further points to only God being trustworthy - that He will be proved right when He speaks and be justified when He judges.
(v. 3:5) "But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.)
(v. 3:6) Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world?"
(v. 3:1) What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? (v. 3:2) Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God. (v. 3:3) What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? (v. 3:4) Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: 'So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.' (v. 3:5) But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) (v. 3:6) Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world?" =
Questions are asked, "What shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing His wrath on us?" These questions imply that the comparison between man's unrighteousness and God's righteousness is so stark as to more clearly bring out God's righteousness. Paul stipulates his questions as a "human argument", i.e., a human viewpoint argument which is faulty. Since man's unrighteousness more clearly brings out God's righteousness, then should not this be considered such a benefit that God is unjust in bringing His wrath on us? Paul's answer is an emphatic, "Certainly not!" This is followed by the reason: "If that were so [and it is not, is implied] how could God judge the world?" The logic of the reason is this: Since unrighteousness in the world must be judged, then God Who is righteous must do the judging regardless of how the stark contrast between His righteousness and man's unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness. This contrast does not account for man's unrighteousness, nor is it a good reason to nullify God's judgment of the world wherein His wrath would not be brought on our unrighteousness. Notice that the passage implies that God is righteous; that it is His universe wherein His standard of righteousness is to be upheld; that the world, (mankind), is unrighteous; and that anyone who is unrighteousness must be held accountable. Unrighteousness demands judgment because it does not meet God's standard of righteousness in God's world.
(v. 3:7) "Someone might argue, 'If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?'
(v. 3:8) Why not say-as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say - 'Let us do evil that good may result'? Their condemnation is deserved."
(v. 3:1) What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? (v. 3:2) Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God. (v. 3:3) What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? (v. 3:4) Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge. (v. 3:5) But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) (v. 3:6) Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? (v. 3:7) Someone might argue, 'If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases His glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?' (v. 3:8) Why not say-as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say - 'Let us do evil that good may result'? Their condemnation is deserved."
Paul continues reviewing the human viewpoint (false) objection to God's bringing condemnation on individuals as sinners for the falsehood of unrighteousness. He stipulates that someone might argue that his falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and increases His glory by contrast, in effect making God look good. Hence the benefit, it is reasoned, should cancel the condemnation. The word "falsehood" refers to man's unrighteous behavior which context for this word is established in verse 3:5. The human viewpoint argument implies justification of sinful behavior because it enhances God's truthfulness and so increases His glory. Paul opposes this by stating, "Their [those who are unrighteousness and object to God's condemnation for such] deserve condemnation.
(v. 1:16) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 1:17 NKJV) For in the gospel an eternal righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.' (v. 1:18) (v. 18) The wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness... (v. 3:1) What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? (v. 3:2) Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God. (v. 3:3) What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? (v. 3:4) Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge. (v. 3:5) But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) (v. 3:6) Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? (v. 3:7) Someone might argue, 'If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases His glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?' (v. 3:8) Why not say - as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say - 'Let us do evil that good may result'? Their condemnation is deserved."(cont.) =
Paul indicates that he and others who are Jews, (v. 3:1, 3:5), who are accused of saying what Paul says from the phrase "we are being slandersously reported as saying", i.e., they speak like he does of the gospel and hence are also believers are accused of saying, 'let us do evil that good may result.' " Hence Paul and other Jews are slanderously accused of encouraging individuals to sin so that by contrast with God's truthfulness to man's sinfulness, "good" may result relative to enhancing God's truthfulness, increasing His glory, (v. 3:7); and bringing out God's righteousness, (v. 3:5). Paul's accusers' slanderous activity is stipulated as deserving condemnation.
There are those who claim, some slanderously, that Paul's message includes an encouragement to do evil that good may result. The word "slanderously" implies a deliberate misconstruing of what Paul is saying. Whichever the case may be, Paul's message according to the context of Romans chapters 1-3 does not encourage evil, but rather condemns it!, (v. 1:18). Although Paul's message of the gospel in Romans 1-3 provides for "the salvation [from condemnation] of everyone who believes [in the gospel], (v. 1:16), for in the gospel the gospel an [eternal] righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief], (v. 1:17a)", which implies that all of an individual's sins are forgiven and he receives instead an eternal righteousness from God when he believes; this message cannot be construed as an encouragement to do evil that good may result.
(v. 3:9) "What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin."
(v. 1:18) "The wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness"(v. 3:1) What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? (v. 3:2) Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God. (v. 3:9) What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin." =
Verse 3:9 asks "What shall we conclude then?" followed by another question: "Are we any better?" The word "we"refers to Jews from the context beginning in verse 3:1, ("What advantage, then is there in being a Jew"), to which group, as a result of the word "we", Paul identifies himself as belonging. Paul stipulates that there is much advantage in being a Jew in v. 3:1; but concludes that Jews are no better than Gentiles in v. 3:9, inspite of the advantages and values referred to in v. 3:2. Paul stipulates that he repeats his reason for this conclusion with the phrase, "We have already made the charge" which is the ongoing message that Paul has been giving beginning with 1:18 up to this point, ie., that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.
Notice that with respect to all mankind, "Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin", i.e., are conceived and born sinners before they commit their first sin. The phrase "under sin" implies more than the fact that all individuals inevitably commit sins after they are born, especially considering that many individuals have not been born yet and yet are included in this characterization of "all under sin." So the phrase "all under sin" implies a condition that existed before any individual was ever born as a result of something that occurred before they were even conceived. So mankind does not have a chance to express the righteousness of God. And mankind's sinful actions did not, do not and will not cause this condition of being under sin, they simply prove it out by their actions.
(v. 3:10) "As it is written: 'There is no one righteous, not even one;
(v. 3:11) there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.
(v. 3:12) All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one'
(v. 3:13) 'Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips.
(v. 3:14) Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.
(v. 3:15) Their feet are swift to shed blood;
(v. 3:16) ruin and misery mark their ways,
(v. 3:17) and the way of peace they do not know.
(v. 3:18) There is no fear of God before their eyes.' "
(v. 1:18) "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, (v. 1:19) since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. (v. 1:20) For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. (v. 1:21) For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (v. 1:22) Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools (v. 1:23) and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. (v. 1:24) Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. (v. 1:25) They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen. (v. 1:26) Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. (v. 1:27) In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. (v. 1:28) Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. (v. 1:29) They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, (v. 1:30) slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; (v. 1:31) they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. (v. 1:32) Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. (v. 2:1) You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things." =
To review what has already been established: Since there is no one who is excluded from being in view in 1:18-2:1 to some extent; then there is none righteous, no one is beyond God's condemnation.
B) OT SCRIPTURE CORROBORATES PAUL'S STATEMENT THAT JEWS AND GENTILES ALIKE ARE ALL UNDER SIN
(v. 3:9) What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. (v. 3:10) "As it is written: 'There is no one righteous, not even one; (v. 3:11) there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. (v. 3:12) All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." =
1) [Compare Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3]:
(v. 1) "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
(v. 2) The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
(v. 3) All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one."
"There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins."
Author Paul refers to OT Scripture to confirm his conclusion, which began at 1:18, that all men are under sin, Jews and Gentiles alike, (Ro 3:9). He quotes in Ro 3:12, 'There is no one who does good, not even one' from Psalms 14:1-3. Eccl 7:20a confirms this with "There is not a righteous man on earth." Paul also refers Psalms 14:2 with "there is no one who seeks God" and "there is no one who understands" in Ro 3:11.
(v. 3:10) "As it is written: 'There is no one righteous, not even one; (v. 3:11) there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. (v. 3:12) All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one' (v. 3:13) 'Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. (v. 3:14) Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. (v. 3:15) Their feet are swift to shed blood; (v. 3:16) ruin and misery mark their ways, (v. 3:17) and the way of peace they do not know. (v. 3:18) There is no fear of God before their eyes.' " =
(Ro 3:13) " 'Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips.' " =
(Psa 5:4) "You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell.
(Psa 5:5) The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong.
(Psa 5:6) You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors. [Notice that the context has in view those who do evil; the wicked; arrogant; all who do wrong; those who tell lies, are bloodthirsty, deceitful]
(Psa 5:7) But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.
(Psa 5:8) Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies-- make straight your way before me.
(Psa 5:9) Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit."
(Ro 3:13) 'Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips.' " =
(Ps 140:3) "They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips."
(Ro 3:14) " 'Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. ' " =
(Ps 10:7) "His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue."
(Ro 3:15) " 'Their feet are swift to shed blood' (Ro 3:16) ruin and misery mark their ways, (Ro 3:17) and the way of peace they do not know. =
(Isa 59:7) "Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are evil thoughts; ruin and destruction mark their ways.
(Isa 59:8) The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks in them will know peace."
(Ro 3:18) " 'There is no fear of God before their eyes.' " =
(Ps 36:1) "An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before His eyes."
Paul completes his picture on how depraved all men are by quoting and paraphrasing passages from OT Scripture within the context of his writing which includes all men, which context has already been established by his references in Ro 3:10-12 to Psalms 14:1-3, 53:1-3 and Eccl 7:20. All men, not just some, are being referred to by Paul as having throats with open graves, tongues which practice deceit, as having the poison of vipers on their lips. Notice that these descriptions revolve around man's speech. All men are thereafter described as having feet swift to shed blood, as having ways which cause ruin and misery wherein the way of peace they do not know. These descriptions cover man's actions - all men, no exceptions. Finally, the phrase "There is no fear of God before His eyes" completes the picture of all men being totally depraved before God in words, deeds and thoughts by including man's inner being, his thoughts. There is no room here for distinction between one man who is relatively less depraved, or more righteous than another. All have fallen short of God's absolute righteousness in their words, deeds and thoughts.
(v. 3:19) "Now we know that whatever the Law says, it says to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God."
(1:16-17, 2:6-24) [See excerpt below], (v. 3:19) "Now we know that whatever the Law says, it says to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God." =
The phrase "Now we know that" indicates that what follows has already been established as fact. The Law has a message to those under the Law, (Jews), which declares that the whole world is held accountable to God. So the Law is a representation of the righteousness of God to which not only the Jew but the whole world is held accountable. Implied here is the responsibility of Jews to relay information from the Law to the world largely via their obedience to it as an example to the world of their responsibility to live by its standards as well.
B) THE LAW WAS ESTABLISHED PREVIOUSLY IN CHAPTER TWO AS A SUPERIOR INSTRUCTION OF A RULE OF LIFE WITHIN WHICH IS THE EMBODIMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND TRUTH REPRESENTING GOD'S RIGHTEOUS STANDARD OF BEHAVIOR FOR THE WORLD
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[EXCERPT
FROM CHAPTER 2 SUPPORTING THIS POINT OR GOTO END OF EXCERPT
]
(v. 2:13) For it is not those who hear the Law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the Law who will be declared righteous. (v. 2:14) (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the Law, do by nature things required by the Law, they are a Law for themselves, even though they do not have the Law... (v. 2:17) "Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the Law and brag about your relationship to God; (v. 2:18) if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the Law" =
Notice that the passage now focuses intently on Jews who have the Law and are supposed to be instructed in the Law - a superior instruction (in righteousness) to what is available to Gentiles is implied, (v. 2:14); and they have a unique relationship with God as His chosen people to represent Him and His righteousness to the world through the precepts of the Law as God's standard of conduct. Notice that verse 2:14 states that if Gentiles do by nature things required by the Law, they are declared as a law unto themselves, implying that the Law is the standard of righteousness for all to go by. It is implied the Jews brag about having the Law, (v. 2:17). Evidently the Israelites are a people chosen specially by God to represent Him and His righteousness through obedience to the Law which was uniquely given to them