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; 20 wherefore by works of law shall no flesh be declared righteous before Him, for through law is a knowledge of sin.
21 And now apart from law hath the righteousness of God been manifested, testified to by the law and the prophets, 22 and the righteousness of God 'is' through the faith of Jesus Christ to all, and upon all those believing,—for there is no difference, 23 for all did sin, and are come short of the glory of God—
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 3:9-23
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.
Commentary on Romans 3:21-26
(Read Romans 3:21-26)
Must guilty man remain under wrath? Is the wound for ever incurable? No; blessed be God, there is another way laid open for us. This is the righteousness of God; righteousness of his ordaining, and providing, and accepting. It is by that faith which has Jesus Christ for its object; an anointed Saviour, so Jesus Christ signifies. Justifying faith respects Christ as a Saviour, in all his three anointed offices, as Prophet, Priest, and King; trusting in him, accepting him, and cleaving to him: in all these, Jews and Gentiles are alike welcome to God through Christ. There is no difference, his righteousness is upon all that believe; not only offered to them, but put upon them as a crown, as a robe. It is free grace, mere mercy; there is nothing in us to deserve such favours. It comes freely unto us, but Christ bought it, and paid the price. And faith has special regard to the blood of Christ, as that which made the atonement. God, in all this, declares his righteousness. It is plain that he hates sin, when nothing less than the blood of Christ would satisfy for it. And it would not agree with his justice to demand the debt, when the Surety has paid it, and he has accepted that payment in full satisfaction.