Ephesians 6:10-20 Block Diagram of passage

 Romans 3:1-18 Answers

Questions to Go Deeper

1. “Then” is translated “therefore” by some translations.  “Therefore” best points to the Greek text.  What would Paul be referencing with with “therefore”?

His previous discourse on the Jewish person’s state of condemnation despite their identity as Jews.

2. Based on Paul’s answer in verse 2 He knows the answer to the two questions before he asks them.  Why would he use these two questions? Who would he be speaking for in the two questions?

Paul is giving the hypothetical Jewish critics questions. 

3. If there was absolutely no advantage or benefit Jews over Gentiles, then what would be the answer to the answer to the two questions?  However, what is the answer (2)?

He would have to say there is no advantage or benefit.  But he says the opposite…Great in every respect.

4. What does the phrase “first of all” imply about the advantages or benefits?  How many advantages are listed (2)?  Where is the list completed (hint Romans 9)?

First of all implies a long list of benefits for the Jews.  Only, one is listed.  This could imply that the one advantage is GREAT in and of itself!  In Romans 9 Paul lists out several benefits for the Jewish person in 9:2-3.

5. Does unbelief of some Jews nullify God’s faithfulness to the Jews (3)?

The answer is emphatic in verse 4…May it never be!  The question again is hypothetical and from the Jewish critics view point.

6. What is Paul’s response to the possibility of God being accused for condemning some Jews for their unbelief (4)?

May it never be … And Then He says God should be exalted As true even if every Jewish person rejects the Messiah!  And He uses Scripture to prove His point!

7. Where is the proof text from in the OT (4)?  Who said these words previously?  What is the setting of this Old Testament Scripture?

David in Psalm 51:4.  The psalm is David’s repentance Psalm when he sinned with Bathsheba.  He acknowledges that GOD is righteous even if everyone is shown to be a sinner!

8. Who is the “You”, “Your” and “You” referring to in the OT passage?

You is Yahweh (the Lord).

9. “But” contrast what in verse 5?  What does the wrath of God on the unbelieving Jew’s unrighteousness demonstrate (5)?  

Paul begins to speak for the Jewish critic (I am speaking in human terms).  So the but is the critics contrasting question!  It is an insane question as Paul makes clear in very 6.  Calling God unrighteous for his just wrath is the critics evil line of thinking!

10. What does Paul begin to give in response to the righteous wrath on the rejecting Jews (5)?  In human terms refers to what a sinful human critic might say! 

Paul gives the futile thought process when the Jewish person is condemned and they begin to blame God for their own judgment.

11. Is the God who inflicts wrath unrighteous?  (6)!  And if He were unrighteous to judge the rejecting Jew, then what does imply would be in jeopardy (6)?

May it never be!  God couldn’t judge His own creation!  Which is a foolish thought!

12. Can you see how the last two questions are words Paul puts into the Jewish critic’s mouth (7-8)?  What evidence is there of this kind of argumentation (8)?

Obviously, “why am I being judged As a sinner” is a critics question.  And then “let us do evil that good may come?” Is explained to be something he is slanderously accused on says.

13. What does the critic who expresses these wrong questions get (8f)?

Their condemnation is just!

14. Since the Jewish critic is left without an argument against God, then how does Paul summarize their condition (9)?

Are they better than they?  NOT AT ALL!

15. What is the charge against all, both Jews and Greeks (9)?

Both Jews and Greeks are all under sin

16. What does Paul use as the proof of the dead condition of all (10-18)?

SCRIPTURE … As it is written

17. What are numerous descriptions of all those under sin (10-18)?  How many characteristics?  How many evil actions?

There is none Righteous

There is none who understand

They are all worthless

There is none who does good

Their throat is an open grave

The poison of asps is under their lips

There is no fear of God before their eyes

Actions:

With their tongues they keep deceiving

Mouths full of cursing and bitterness

Their feet are swift to shed blood.

Destruction and misery are in their paths

The path of peace they have not known

18. What is the introductory condition of all (3:10b)?  What is the concluding root problem of all (3:18)?

There is none righteous

There is no fear of God before their eyes