Romans – Chapter 3

New Testament31 Verses

Chapter Summary

"What advantage then hath the Jew: or what is the profit of circumcision?" — so begins Romans 3. Across its 31 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and faith and trust in God. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1What advantage then hath the Jew: or what is the profit of circumcision?

2Much every way. First indeed, because the words of God were committed to them.

3For what if some of them have not believed? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid!

4But God is true and every man a liar, as it is written: That thou mayest be justified in thy words and mayest overcome when thou art judged.

5But if our injustice commend the justice of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust, who executeth wrath?

6(I speak according to man.) God forbid! Otherwise how shall God judge this world?

7For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie, unto his glory, why am I also yet judged as a sinner?

8And not rather (as we are slandered and as some affirm that we say) let us do evil that there may come good? Whose damnation is just.

9What then? Do we excel them? No, not so. For we have charged both Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin.

10As it is written: There is not any man just.

11There is none that understandeth: there is none that seeketh after God.

12All have turned out of the way: they are become unprofitable together: there is none that doth good, there is not so much as one.

13Their throat is an open sepulchre: with their tongues they have dealt deceitfully. The venom of asps is under their lips.

14Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:

15Their feet swift to shed blood:

16Destruction and misery in their ways:

17And the way of peace they have not known.

18There is no fear of God before their eyes.

19Now we know that what things soever the law speaketh, it speaketh to them that are in the law: that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may be made subject to God.

20Because by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified before him. For by the law is the knowledge of sin.

21But now, without the law, the justice of God is made manifest, being witnessed by the law and the prophets.

22Even the justice of God, by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all, and upon all them that believe in him: for there is no distinction.

23For all have sinned and do need the glory of God.

24Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

25Whom God hath proposed to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood, to the shewing of his justice, for the remission of former sins,

26Through the forbearance of God, for the shewing of his justice in this time: that he himself may be just and the justifier of him who is of the faith of Jesus Christ

27Where is then thy boasting? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.

28For we account a man to be justified by faith, without the works of the law.

29Is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? yes, of the Gentiles also.

30For it is one God that justifieth circumcision by faith and uncircumcision through faith.

31Do we then, destroy the law through faith? God forbid! But we establish the law.

Important Verses in Romans 3

For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie, unto his glory, why am I also yet judged as a sinner?

Romans 3:7

Even the justice of God, by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all, and upon all them that believe in him: for there is no distinction.

Romans 3:22

Whom God hath proposed to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood, to the shewing of his justice, for the remission of former sins,

Romans 3:25

Do we then, destroy the law through faith? God forbid! But we establish the law.

Romans 3:31

Historical Context

Romans belongs to the New Testament and was composed for the Christian community in Rome, both Jewish and Gentile believers. Chapter 3 of 16 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 31 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. It opens with the line: "What advantage then hath the Jew: or what is the profit of circumcision?" It concludes: "Do we then, destroy the law through faith? God forbid! But we establish the law. " In terms of historical background, Paul's longest and most systematic letter, written to prepare his visit to the capital of the empire. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Romans around About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius

When It Was Written

About AD 57-58, from Corinth

Catholic Commentary

The apostolic author instructs the Church on doctrine, morality, and community life. A pivotal line is verse 7: "For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie, unto his glory, why am I also yet judged as a sinner?" The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 2215). Here, Romans grounds Catholic teaching on grace and salvation (CIC 1987-1995). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize justice and care for the poor as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.

Reflection for Today

In Romans Chapter 3, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of justification by faith and life in the Spirit.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Romans Chapter 3 supports that call by drawing attention to trust in providence amid uncertainty within the wider message that Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 1814).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Romans Chapter 3 about?

Romans 3 contains 31 verses. It opens with "What advantage then hath the Jew: or what is the profit of circumcision?" and closes with "Do we then, destroy the law through faith? God forbid! But we establish the law. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Romans 3?

One of the most significant verses is verse 7: "For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie, unto his glory, why am I also yet judged as a sinner?" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Romans and when?

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius. About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

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