November 27, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Romans Chapter 3
1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
4 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.
5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)
6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
8 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.
9 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;
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways:
17 And the way of peace have they not known:
18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom 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;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Romans Chapter 3 is a central chapter in Paul’s letter that addresses the universal sinfulness of humanity and the possibility of justification through faith in Jesus Christ. After outlining in the previous chapters the role of the law and the injustice of all people, both among Jews and Gentiles, Paul now turns to the question of how people can be justified before God. This chapter emphasizes the immutability of God’s faithfulness and the necessity of grace to attain salvation. Paul argues that neither circumcision nor adherence to the law is sufficient, but that justification occurs solely through faith.
Commentary
God’s Unchanging Faithfulness (Verses 1–8): Paul begins by addressing the advantage of the Jews and the usefulness of circumcision. He confirms that there is a great advantage, namely trusting in what God has spoken. However, he criticizes those who, despite their knowledge and trust, do not believe in God. Paul emphasizes that God’s righteousness is not nullified by human unbelief. He underscores that God is faithful and that all people would ultimately stand as liars if God’s truth did not endure. This highlights the necessity of God’s righteousness to maintain the balance between God’s faithfulness and human sin.
The Guilt of All before God (Verses 9–20): In this section, Paul clarifies that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin. He quotes from the Scriptures to show that no one is righteous, no one understands, no one seeks God, and no one does good. This universal sinfulness makes it clear that all people are guilty before God. Paul argues that the law serves to recognize sin, but no one can be justified before God by the works of the law. This leads to the realization that human effort is insufficient to bridge the separation between God and man.
Justification by Faith Alone (Verses 21–31): Paul presents the central doctrine of justification by faith. He explains that God’s righteousness is revealed through the law and the prophets, but this righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. Regardless of gender or origin, all sinners lack the glory they should have before God. Nevertheless, they are justified by God’s grace and the redemption through Jesus Christ, without merit. Paul emphasizes that God presented Jesus as a propitiatory sacrifice to fulfill the righteousness that is required before God by forgiving sin. He refutes the claim that faith abolishes the law and explains that faith confirms the law by enabling righteousness apart from the works of the law.
Summary
Romans Chapter 3 addresses the fundamental question of justification before God in light of the universal sinfulness of humanity. Paul emphasizes that neither belonging to the people of Israel nor following the law is sufficient to be righteous before God. Instead, justification is possible solely through faith in Jesus Christ. This chapter underscores God’s unchanging faithfulness and the necessity of His grace to overcome the separation between God and man. Paul demonstrates that all people, regardless of their background, are under sin and therefore depend on God’s grace to be justified. The central message is that faith in Christ is the only path to salvation, which does not abolish the law but affirms its true meaning and necessity.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 77—In Pilate’s Judgment Hall
This chapter is based on Matthew 27:2, 11-31; Mark 15:1-20; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28-40; John 19:1-16
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
The chapter concerning Jesus’ trial before Pilate is a climax of the Gospels, where divine truth and human weakness collide. Pilate faces the challenge of choosing between justice and his own interests, while the Jewish leaders express their hatred through lies and manipulation. The story reveals profound lessons about power, hypocrisy, and the steadfastness of Christ.
Commentary
The Role of Pilate:
Pilate, the Roman governor, appears weak and indecisive, torn between his recognition of Jesus’ innocence and his desire to yield to the demands of the Jewish leaders. His inability to act according to his convictions leads not only to the condemnation of Christ but also to his own moral and political downfall. Pilate’s actions demonstrate how dangerous it is to sacrifice principles for personal gain.
The Attitude of Jesus:
Throughout the trial, Jesus remains calm and majestic. His silence speaks louder than words, and his behavior reflects his complete dedication to the divine plan. He offers Pilate the opportunity to recognize the truth, but Pilate misses the chance. Jesus’ patience and gentleness stand in stark contrast to the shouts of the priests and the crowd.
The Responsibility of the Jewish Leaders:
The priests and elders use lies and false accusations to impose their will. They shout, “His blood be on us and on our children!” (Matthew 27:25), without understanding the far-reaching consequences of their words. Their rejection of Christ places them and their people under a burden that reverberates through history.
Barabbas or Jesus:
The choice between Barabbas and Jesus is symbolic of the decision each person must make. Barabbas, a murderer and rebel, is preferred, while Jesus, the Savior, is rejected. This choice reflects the tragedy when people reject the truth in favor of what is wrong.
The Consequences:
Pilate tries to distance himself from the guilt by washing his hands in innocence, but his responsibility remains. The decision to condemn Christ becomes a turning point that forever changes human history. At the same time, the story shows the fulfillment of the divine plan to save the world through Jesus’ death.
Summary
The chapter concerning Jesus’ trial before Pilate reveals the deep abysses of human sin and the sublime greatness of divine grace. Pilate’s weakness, the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders, and the choice of the crowd teach us that rejecting the truth has devastating consequences. However, Jesus stands firm as the embodiment of grace and truth, fulfilling the plan of redemption even in the face of betrayal and injustice. This chapter challenges us to courageously stand for the truth in our lives and to follow Jesus’ example of patience and dedication.
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