Rom 3:9, Gal 3:22 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 9. What then ? This is another remark supposed to be made by a Jewish objector. "What follows? or are we to infer that we are better than others?" Are we better than they? Are we Jews better than the Gentiles? Or rather, have we any preference , or advantage as to character and prospects, over the Gentiles? These questions refer only to the great point in debate , to wit, about justification before God. The apostle had admitted ( ) that the Jews had important advantages in some respects , but he now affirms that those advantages did not make a difference between them and the Gentiles about justification. No, in no wise . Not at all. That is, the Jews have no preference or advantage over the Gentiles in regard to the subject of justification before God. They have failed to keep the law; they are sinners; and if they are justified, it must be in the same way as the rest of the world. We have before proved , etc. Ro 1:21-32 2:1-29 . Under sin . Sinners. Under the power and dominion of sin. (1) "proved" or, "charged"

Romans 3:9

Verse 9. What then? This is another remark supposed to be made by a Jewish objector. "What follows? or are we to infer that we are better than others?"

Are we better than they? Are we Jews better than the Gentiles? Or rather, have we any preference, or advantage as to character and prospects, over the Gentiles? These questions refer only to the great point in debate, to wit, about justification before God. The apostle had admitted (Rom 3:2) that the Jews had important advantages in some respects, but he now affirms that those advantages did not make a difference between them and the Gentiles about justification.

No, in no wise. Not at all. That is, the Jews have no preference or advantage over the Gentiles in regard to the subject of justification before God. They have failed to keep the law; they are sinners; and if they are justified, it must be in the same way as the rest of the world.

We have before proved, etc. Ro 1:21-32 2:1-29.

Under sin. Sinners. Under the power and dominion of sin.

(1) "proved" or, "charged"

Galatians 3:22

Verse 22. But the Scripture. The Old Testament, Jn 5:39, containing the law of Moses.

Hath concluded all under sin. Has shut up συνεκλεισεν all under the condemnation of sin; that is, has declared all men, no matter what their rank and external character, to be sinners. Of course, they cannot be justified by that law which declares them to be guilty, and which condemns them, any more than the law of the land will acquit a murderer, and pronounce him innocent, at the same time that it holds him to be guilty. In regard to the meaning of the expression here used, Rom 11:32. Comp. Rom 3:9,19.

That the promise by faith of Jesus Christ, etc. That the promise referred to in the transaction with Abraham, the promise of justification and life by faith in the Messiah. Here we see one design of the law. It was to show that they could not be justified by their own works, to hedge up their way in regard to justification by their own righteousness, and to show them their need of a better righteousness. The law accomplishes the same end now. It shows men that they are guilty; and it does it in order that they may be brought under the influence of the pure system of the gospel, and become interested in the promises which are connected with eternal salvation.