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Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:20

Therefore, by the deeds of the law - On the score of obedience to this moral law, there shall no flesh, ου πασα σαρξ , no human being, be justified; none can be accepted in the sight of God. And why? Because by the law is the knowledge of sin: it is that which ascertains what sin is; shows how men have deviated from its righteous demands; and sentences them to death because they have broken it. Thus the law is properly considered as the rule of right; and, unless God had given some such... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:21

But now the righteousness of God - God's method of saving sinners is now shown, by the Gospel, to be through his own mere mercy, by Christ Jesus; without the law - without any right or claim which might result from obedience to the law; and is evidently that which was intended by God from the beginning; for it is witnessed by the law and the prophets - the rites and ceremonies of the one, and the preachings and predictions of the others, all bearing testimony to the great design of God, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:22

Even the righteousness of God - That method of saving sinners which is not of works, but by faith in Christ Jesus; and it is not restrained to any particular people, as the law and its privileges were, but is unto all mankind in its intention and offer, and becomes effectual to them that believe; for God hath now made no difference between the Jews and the Gentiles. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:23

For all have sinned : - And consequently are equally helpless and guilty; and, as God is no respecter of persons, all human creatures being equally his offspring, and there being no reason why one should be preferred before another, therefore his endless mercy has embraced All. And come short of the glory of God - και υστερουνται της δοξης του θεου These words have been variously translated. Failed of attaining the glory of God: Have not been able to bring glory to God: Stand in need... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:24

Being justified freely by his grace - So far from being able to attain the glory of God by their obedience, they are all guilty: and, to be saved, must be freely pardoned by God's grace; which is shown to them who believe, through the redemption, απολυτρωσεως , the ransom price, which is in the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. The original is compounded of απο , from, and λυτροω , I redeem, and properly means the price laid down for the redemption of a captive. Comprehendit haec Christi ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 3:25

Whom God hath set forth - Appointed and published to be a propitiation, ιλαστηριον , the mercy-seat, or place of atonement; because the blood of the sacrifice was sprinkled on and before that, in order to obtain remission of sin, punishment, etc. The mercy-seat was the lid or cover of the ark of the covenant, where God was manifest in the symbol of his presence, between the cherubim; therefore the atonement that was made in this place was properly made to God himself. See the note on Luke... read more

John Calvin

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

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