Why did Paul write Romans chapter 3 verse 20?

Answer 1

A:

Romans 3:19-20: "[19] Now we know that what the law says is addressed to those under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world stand accountable to God, [20] since no human being will be justified in his sight by observing the law; for through the law comes consciousness of sin."

In verse 19, Paul speaks of those "under the law," thus establishing that when he speaks of the law, he is speaking of the Jewish Torah, which includes commandments for circumcision, dietary laws and laws for ritual cleanlines. Then he says that no one will be justified in the sight of God by observing these laws. Paul goes on to say that for those who believe in Jesus, there is no difference. In other words, he is saying that the Christians of Rome should not feel bound by the laws of the Old Testament.

A:

In the first three chapters of Romans Paul develops arguments to show that all of mankind, Jew or gentile will be judged by God. The argument culminates with chapter 3 verse 23 ...... "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".

In Chapter 1 Paul shows men have had knowledge of God, but turned away and worshipped the creation not the creator. So God left them to their own ways.

In chapter 2 Paul shows a day is coming when God will judge every man, and God shows no favouritism, Gods judgment will be true. Paul goes on to show that the righteousness of God is as necessary to the Jew as to the pagan.

In chapter 3 Paul shows it will not be an advantage to be a Greek or Jew - there is no difference. Whether you have the law or no law all have sinned.

Paul has shown that mere possession of the law will not exempt the Jews from judgment, having the law was not enough God required the law to be kept. Paul has reduced the Jews to a position of equality with the gentiles. The Jews thought they were God's chosen people and therefore had special privileges, but they failed to see the purpose of the law. The purpose of the law was to show the Jews (and then the gentiles) they could not do what is right - they were all guilty.

Then Paul writes verse 20 to say the result of this (therefore) is that nobody can be put right with God through keeping the law, the law was to show people they are sinners and helpless to save themselves.