31 Then what advantage has the Jew ? Or what is the benefit of circumcision ? 2 Great in every respect . First of all , that they were entrusted with the oracles of God . 3 What then ? If some did not believe , their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God , will it? 4 May it never be! Rather , let God be found true , though every man be found a liar , as it is written , " THAT YOU MAY BE JUSTIFIED IN YOUR WORDS , AND PREVAIL WHEN YOU ARE JUDGED ." 5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God , what shall we say ? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous , is He? ( I am speaking in human terms .) 6 May it never be! For otherwise , how will God judge the world ? 7 But if through my lie the truth of God abounded to His glory , why am I also still being judged as a sinner ? 8 And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say ), " Let us do evil that good may come "? Their condemnation is just .
9 What then ? Are we better than they? Not at all ; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin ;
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 3:1-9
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.