Romans 3:19-22 NIV

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:19

Verse 19 19.Now we know, etc. Leaving the Gentiles, he distinctly addresses his words to the Jews; for he had a much more difficult work in subduing them, because they, though no less destitute of true righteousness than the Gentiles, yet covered themselves with the cloak of God’s covenant, as though it was a sufficient holiness to them to have been separated from the rest of the world by the election of God. And he indeed mentions those evasions which he well understood the Jews were ready to... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:20

Verse 20 20.Therefore by the works of the law, etc. It is a matter of doubt, even among the learned, what the works of the law mean. Some extend them to the observance of the whole law, while others confine them to the ceremonies alone. The addition of the word law induced [Chrysostom ] , [Origen ], and [Jerome ] to assent to the latter opinion; (106) for they thought that there is a peculiar intimation in this appendage, that the expression should not be understood as including all works. But... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:21

Verse 21 21.But now without the law, etc. It is not certain for what distinct reason he calls that the righteousness of God, which we obtain by faith; whether it be, because it can alone stand before God, or because the Lord in his mercy confers it on us. As both interpretations are suitable, we contend for neither. This righteousness then, which God communicates to man, and accepts alone, and owns as righteousness, has been revealed, he says,without the law, that is without the aid of the law;... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:22

Verse 22 22.Even the righteousness of God, etc. (115) He shows in few words what this justification is, even that which is found in Christ and is apprehended by faith. At the same time, by introducing again the name of God, he seems to make God the founder, (autorem , the author,) and not only the approver of the righteousness of which he speaks; as though he had said, that it flows from him alone, or that its origin is from heaven, but that it is made manifest to us in Christ. When therefore... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:9-20

(3) The testimony of the Old Testament to human sinfulness. Objections having been thus raised and met, the apostle now confirms his position, that all mankind, Jew as well as Gentile, are under sin, by adducing the Scriptures of the Jews themselves. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:9-20

Every mouth stolid. The charge has been made against Gentiles and Jews; it is now forced home, and especially against the self-excusing Jews, by the unimpeachable verdict of God's own Word. We have here—universal sin and universal guilt. I. UNIVERSAL SIN . Some of the quotations referred in the first instance more particularly to Gentiles, some to Jews. But the fact that any of them referred to Jews is of itself sufficient for the apostle's purpose, viz. to cut away from under... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:9-20

Knowledge of sin through the Law. Having described the Jewish privileges and the Divine judgment for the abuse of these privileges, the apostle now proceeds to ask and to answer the question, "Are we [Jews] preferred ( προεχόμετα )?" This means, in God's esteem; and it is answered without hesitation, "No, in no wise." And the proof has already been given: "For we before laid to the charge both of Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin" (Revised Version). We are, consequently, face... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:19-20

Now we know that what things soever the Law ( ὁ νόμος here for the Old Testament generally as the embodiment and exponent of the Law) saith, it speaketh to them that are under the Law (not to the world outside, but to those within its own sphere): that every mouth (the Jew's as well as the Gentile's) may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Because by works of law ( νόμος here suitably without the article; see on Romans 2:13 ) shall no flesh be justified in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:19-20

The purpose of Law. Although it is the main intention of the apostle, in speaking of the Law, to show its insufficiency for the purpose with which its introduction and publication were commonly credited, his teaching would be misunderstood were he supposed to disparage it; for St. Paul held the Law of God in the highest reverence, although he did not attribute to it all with which it was connected in the mind of the unchristian Jew. I. THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE LAW . This... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:21

But now the righteousness of God without law ( i.e. apart from law ) is (or, has been ) manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the prophets . On the essential meaning of God's righteousness ( θεοῦ δικαιοσύνη ), see on Romans 1:17 , and Introduction. This passage, in which the thesis of Romans 1:17 is formally enunciated, is consistent with this meaning; in confirmation of which observe Romans 1:25 , Romans 1:26 , where δικαιοσύνη αὐτοῦ evidently means... read more

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:19

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:20

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:21

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:22

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:9-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:9-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:9-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:19-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:19-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 3:21

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