For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Read it in contextRighteousness through faith
Start reading at Romans 3:21 (Romans 3:21 to Romans 3:31).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul presents God's provision in Jesus Christ and excludes boasting, leading directly to Abraham's example in chapter 4.
3:21But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
3:22Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
3:23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
3:24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
3:25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
3:26To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
3:27Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
3:28Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
3:29Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
3:30Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
3:31Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 1:1–3:31): Paul addresses the believers in Rome about the accountability of Jews and Gentiles before God. His challenges to a judging person or one called a Jew are rhetorical addresses within the letter. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Righteousness through faith. Read Romans 3:21 through Romans 3:31 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul presents God's provision in Jesus Christ and excludes boasting, leading directly to Abraham's example in chapter 4. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul writes while planning further travel, including a visit to Rome. The letter does not supply a modern calendar date; reconstructions depend on comparing its travel notices with other texts. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The addressees are at Rome. Paul discusses other locations and travel plans, while the letter itself does not directly name the city where he is writing. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Righteousness through faith (Romans 3:21 to Romans 3:31).
Start reading at Romans 3:21. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter explains the gospel of Jesus Christ, baptism into His death, life in the Spirit, and hope of glory. Promises in Romans 8 address those in Christ and stand with the chapter's stated conditions. See Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Read the argument as a connected appeal to an addressed church. Keep obedience, continuing in God's goodness, and warnings against presumption visible when speaking of grace, inheritance, and assurance. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions.
Connection to the wholePaul answers objections raised by his treatment of Jewish privilege and accountability without making human sin a justification for doing evil.
Connection to the wholeThe assembled scriptural testimony brings the accusation against both Jews and Gentiles to its conclusion: the law stops boasting and gives knowledge of sin.
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.