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The Bible Says
Romans 3:9 Meaning

Here is perhaps the greatest contrast Paul draws between himself and the competing Jewish "authorities." The "authorities" claim superiority over Paul and others, who they cast judgment upon (Romans 2:1). They claim to be better than Paul. Paul has roundly condemned them for both judging others for the things they themselves do (Romans 2:1-3) as well as slandering Paul's message of grace (verse 8). In 3:8, Paul says "Their condemnation is just."

Then, in this verse, Paul makes the amazing statement that he is no better than these slandering hypocrites. Why? Because all of humanity is under sin. We are all in the same boat. These principles apply to every Jew and Gentile alike. Not a single one of us can solve our sin problem without the redeeming grace of Jesus Christ. Including Paul. In fact, Paul calls himself the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). He makes it clear that he is not claiming to be right because he is better than these "authorities." What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin (v 9).

In addition, it is not only he and the competing Jewish "authorities" who are under sin, it is also the Greeks, which would include the Roman audience to whom this letter is addressed, the Roman believers whose "faith is proclaimed throughout the world" (Romans 1:8). Paul makes clear here that a central point of his good news is that all of humanity is under sin, as he has already charged (Romans 2:12). That includes himself.

Romans 3:8 Meaning ← Prior Section
Romans 3:10-12 Meaning Next Section →
Acts 1:1-5 Meaning ← Prior Book
1 Corinthians 3:1-4 Meaning Next Book →
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Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness.

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Recognizing the value of consistent reflection upon the Word of God in order to refocus one's mind and heart upon Christ and His Gospel of peace, we provide several reading plans designed to cover the entire Bible in a year.

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CONTENT DISCLAIMER:

The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry.