Romans 3

What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?

Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?

For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?

And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:

Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:

Their feet are swift to shed blood:

Destruction and misery are in their ways:

And the way of peace have they not known:

There is no fear of God before their eyes.

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

What does Romans 3:17 mean?

Explanation

Romans 3:17, "And the way of peace have they not known:", comes from a portion of the New Testament where the Apostle Paul outlines the natural condition of man in contrast to the righteousness of God.

This verse is part of a larger segment where Paul is quoting Old Testament scriptures to show that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin.

The message here conveys that individuals without God are not just morally wayward but are fundamentally ignorant of what constitutes true peace.

The way of peace in biblical terms often refers to a manner of living in harmony with God's will, leading to spiritual tranquility and salvation.

This peace is more profound than just the absence of conflict; it entails a comprehensive well-being that can only be known through a relationship with God.

Without knowledge of God's path, humans are alienated not only from God but also from this deeper peace.

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 57, during his third missionary journey, likely from Corinth.

The epistle is addressed to the early Christian church in Rome, which consisted of both Jewish and Gentile believers.

The historical context is significant, as Roman society was marked by a variety of religions and philosophies that claimed to offer peace and truth.

Against this backdrop, Paul is emphasizing the distinctiveness of the gospel and the insufficiency of both Jewish adherence to the Law and pagan moral and philosophical systems to achieve true peace.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives may interpret Romans 3:17 in varying ways.

From a Reformed perspective, this verse underpins the doctrine of total depravity, suggesting that man in his natural state is unable to know or pursue the peace of God.

A Catholic viewpoint might emphasize the need for divine grace to illuminate the human mind and heart to the way of peace.

Liberation theology might see this verse as speaking to systemic societal sins that prevent the realization of peace, highlighting the need for social justice as part of pursuing peace.

All these viewpoints, however, recognize that true peace is a state beyond human achieving and is a gift from God through the redemptive work of Christ.

Practical Applications

The verse challenges individuals to reflect on their own understanding and pursuit of peace.

It can lead one to question if their peace is based on worldly standards or rooted in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

This questioning can lead to an evaluation of personal values, priorities, and actions, as well as the encouragement to seek reconciliation with God as the foundation for true peace.

For communities and churches, it serves as a reminder to teach and model the peace that comes from a godly life, which often involves peacemaking, reconciliation, and justice actions.

Cross-References

Isaiah 59:8 – "The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace."
Philippians 4:7 – "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
John 14:27 – "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Language Study

The key phrase in this verse is "the way of peace" (εἰρήνης ὁδὸν, eirenes hodon in Greek). In the Koine Greek of the New Testament, εἰρήνη (eirene) often refers to a state of national tranquility, exemption from the rage and havoc of war, but also to peace and harmony between individuals.

Moreover, it can represent the messianic idea of peace as salvation. ὁδὸν (hodon) means ‘way’ or ‘path’ and is metaphorically used to signify conduct or a way of thinking.

Hence, the phrase collectively suggests a manner of life characterized by the divine peace.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this verse to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, many ancient cultures have tales of lost peace or harmony, often due to a fall from a state of grace or conflict with the gods.

In the context of religious interpretations, concepts similar to the Judaic-Christian understanding of peace can be found, such as the Hindu Shanti, which represents inner peace or peace with the divine.

Buddhism also speaks of finding peace through enlightenment.

Nevertheless, the unique Christian claim is that peace is not achieved by human efforts but is a gift from God through Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

While "the way of peace" is a religious and moral concept, scientific perspectives can offer insight into the biological and psychological processes related to peace and conflict.

Studies in neuroscience suggest that experiences of peace and tranquility may correspond to certain brain states, and can be influenced by factors such as stress, environment, and interpersonal relationships.

Although these insights do not directly impact the theological interpretation of the verse, they can inform our understanding of how peace is experienced at a human level.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Romans 3:17.

For example, John Stott, in his commentary "The Message of Romans," discusses how Paul is emphasizing the universal need for salvation, as all have turned away from God and lack the knowledge of true peace.

Matthew Henry's commentary highlights the depravity of man and the beauty of the gospel which guides individuals into the way of peace through Christ.

F.F.

Bruce, in the "Tyndale New Testament Commentaries," notes that the passages Paul quotes (including this verse) showcase the nature of sin's pervasiveness, demonstrating why humanity must rely on the grace of God for salvation, including the peace discussed here.

Romans 3

Romans 3

What does Romans 3:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Romans 3:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?