1Then what’s the advantage of being a Jew? Is there any value in the ceremony of circumcision?
3True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful?
“You will be proved right in what you say,
and you will win your case in court.”*3:4 Ps 51:4 (Greek version).
5“But,” some might say, “our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn’t it unfair, then, for him to punish us?” (This is merely a human point of view.)
9Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles,*3:9 Greek or Greeks. are under the power of sin.
“No one is righteous—
not even one.
11No one is truly wise;
no one is seeking God.
12All have turned away;
all have become useless.
No one does good,
not a single one.”*3:10-12 Pss 14:1-3; 53:1-3 (Greek version).
13“Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
Their tongues are filled with lies.”
“Snake venom drips from their lips.”*3:13 Pss 5:9 (Greek version); 140:3.
14“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”*3:14 Ps 10:7 (Greek version).
15“They rush to commit murder.
16Destruction and misery always follow them.
17They don’t know where to find peace.”*3:15-17 Isa 59:7-8.
18“They have no fear of God at all.”*3:18 Ps 36:1.
19Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God.
21But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses*3:21 Greek in the law. and the prophets long ago.
23For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
27Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith.
29After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn’t he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is.