Bible Commentary

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 10. There is none, &c.] In Rom 3:10-18 we have a chain of Scripture quotations. The originals are found, verbally or in substance, in Psa 5:9; Psa 10:7; Psa 14:1-3; Psa 36:1; Psa 140:3; Pro 1:16; Isa 59:7. In the Alexandrine MS. of the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 3:10”

What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 9 20. Man universally and fatally guilty: no hope in human merit. This with special reference to Jewish prejudice 9. What then? are we better? ] i.e., probably, “we … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 3:9”

And not [rather,] (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. 8. And not rather, &c.] The grammatical difficulty of this verse is great. The words, up to the brief last clause, are a question. This question is introduced … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 3:8”

For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? 7. For if, &c.] Here St Paul takes up the Opponent on his own ground; speaking as a human being whose sin (e.g. a falsehood) serves to make God’s truth “abound … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 3:7”

God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 6. how shall God judge the world? ] The emphasis is on “judge,” not on “world.” It is needless to suppose the word “world” here to stand in opposition to the Jewish people. The point of the question is, that if God could not righteously … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 3:6”

But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? [Is] God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? I (speak as a man) 5. unrighteousness righteousness ] General terms, but implying the special forms of unbelief and fidelity. Man’s mistrust is awfully unjust to God; God’s fidelity to His promise is just to Himself … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 3:5”

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. 4. God forbid ] Lit. may it not be; be it not; and so always where the words “God forbid” occur in the Eng. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 3:4”

For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 3. For what ] Here a formula of argument, introducing an objection. if some ] A euphemism, most natural in the words of a supposed Jewish Opponent. As a fact, it was the “some” who believed, the many … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 3:3”

Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 2. every way ] For a comment see Rom 9:4-5; part of an argument of which this verse may be regarded as the germ or first suggestion. chiefly ] Lit. first. Perhaps this is the first step in an enumeration which … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 3:2”

What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit [is there] of circumcision? Ch. Rom 3:1-2. The advantage of the Jew: Revelation 1. What advantage ] Lit. what excess, i. e. of privilege. St Paul here corrects, though only in passing, the possible inference from the previous passage that circumcision was valueless in all respects, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 3:1”