31 What, then, 'is' the superiority of the Jew? or what the profit of the circumcision? 2 much in every way; for first, indeed, that they were intrusted with the oracles of God; 3 for what, if certain were faithless? shall their faithlessness the faithfulness of god make useless? 4 let it not be! and let God become true, and every man false, according as it hath been written, 'That Thou mayest be declared righteous in Thy words, and mayest overcome in Thy being judged.' 5 And, if our unrighteousness God's righteousness doth establish, what shall we say? is God unrighteous who is inflicting the wrath? (after the manner of a man I speak) 6 let it not be! since how shall God judge the world? 7 for if the truth of God in my falsehood did more abound to His glory, why yet am I also as a sinner judged? 8 and not, as we are evil spoken of, and as certain affirm us to say—'We may do the evil things, that the good ones may come?' whose judgment is righteous.
9 What, then? are we better? not at all! for we did before charge both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin, 10 according as it hath been written—'There is none righteous, not even one; 11 There is none who is understanding, there is none who is seeking after God. 12 All did go out of the way, together they became unprofitable, there is none doing good, there is not even one. 13 A sepulchre opened 'is' their throat; with their tongues they used deceit; poison of asps 'is' under their lips. 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. 15 Swift 'are' their feet to shed blood. 16 Ruin and misery 'are' in their ways. 17 And a way of peace they did not know. 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.'
19 And we have known that as many things as the law saith, to those in the law it doth speak, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may come under judgment to God;
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 3:1-19
Commentary on Romans 3:1-8
(Read Romans 3:1-8)
The law could not save in or from sins, yet it gave the Jews advantages for obtaining salvation. Their stated ordinances, education in the knowledge of the true God and his service, and many favours shown to the children of Abraham, all were means of grace, and doubtless were made useful to the conversion of many. But especially the Scriptures were committed to them. Enjoyment of God's word and ordinances, is the chief happiness of a people. But God's promises are made only to believers; therefore the unbelief of some, or of many professors, cannot make this faithfulness of no effect. He will fulfil his promises to his people, and bring his threatened vengeance upon unbelievers. God's judging the world, should for ever silence all doubtings and reflections upon his justice. The wickedness and obstinate unbelief of the Jews, proved man's need of the righteousness of God by faith, and also his justice in punishing for sin. Let us do evil, that good may come, is oftener in the heart than in the mouth of sinners; for few thus justify themselves in their wicked ways. The believer knows that duty belongs to him, and events to God; and that he must not commit any sin, or speak one falsehood, upon the hope, or even assurance, that God may thereby glorify himself. If any speak and act thus, their condemnation is just.
Commentary on Romans 3:9-18
(Read Romans 3:9-18)
Here again is shown that all mankind are under the guilt of sin, as a burden; and under the government and dominion of sin, as enslaved to it, to work wickedness. This is made plain by several passages of Scripture from the Old Testament, which describe the corrupt and depraved state of all men, till grace restrain or change them. Great as our advantages are, these texts describe multitudes who call themselves Christians. Their principles and conduct prove that there is no fear of God before their eyes. And where no fear of God is, no good is to be looked for.
Commentary on Romans 3:19-20
(Read Romans 3:19-20)
It is in vain to seek for justification by the works of the law. All must plead guilty. Guilty before God, is a dreadful word; but no man can be justified by a law which condemns him for breaking it. The corruption in our nature, will for ever stop any justification by our own works.