Time after Pentecost · Reformation Day · Year C
Romans 3:19-28
No One Is Righteous
October 31, 2028

Overview & Insights
“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” (Romans 3:28)
Romans 3:9–20 is the climax of Paul’s argument in 1:18–3:8, concluding that both Jew and Gentile are under sin (implied) because they try to keep the old-covenant stipulation of the law (Jews by way of the Torah, Gentiles by way of the overlapping of natural law / Noahic law with the Torah). Both Jew and Gentile, however, are guilty before God because they are enslaved to sin. In Romans 3:9–20 Paul portrays the world as on trial before God in the heavenly courtroom. The following outline unfolds the dramatic scene: 1. The Charge: All are under sin (3:9). 2. The Evidence: The total depravity of humanity (3:10–18). The evidence is cited from a number of Old Testament texts that describe the wicked (Jew or Gentile) persecuting the righteous Jew. a. Psalm 14:1–3 (3:10–12) b. Psalm 5:9 (3:13a) c. Psalm 140:3b (3:13b) d. Psalm 10:7 (3:14–16) e. Isaiah 59:7–8a (3:17) f. Psalm 36:1b (3:18) 3. The Verdict: All are guilty before God.
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Commentary
Romans 3 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
A verse-by-verse walkthrough of Paul's argument for universal sin and free justification.
Romans 3:21-23 Commentary Precept Austin
An inductive-study commentary on the righteousness of God revealed apart from the law.
Romans 3:19 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentary excerpts gathered for this verse.
Romans 3 (Barnes' Notes) StudyLight
Albert Barnes' close exegetical notes on the chapter.
Romans 3 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching-focused reading of Paul's argument on justification.
Commentary on Romans 3:19-28 Working Preacher
A Reformation Day reading of Paul's argument and its Reformation-era reception.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is Paul’s gospel here?
All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, yet are justified freely by his grace through faith in Christ Jesus, apart from works of the law (Romans 3:23–28). This is the heart of the Reformation’s rediscovery.
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