1WHAT then is the superiority of the Jew? or what is the importance of circumcision? 2Much in every way: because the Jews were the first to believe in the words of God. 3For what if some had not believed, could their unbelief nullify the faith of God?

4Far be it: only God is true and no man is wholly perfect; as it is written, That you may be justified by your words, and triumph when you are judged.

5Now if our iniquity serves to establish the righteousness of God, what then shall we say? Is God unjust when he inflicts his anger? I speak as a man. 6Far be it: for then how could God judge the world? 7For if the truth of God is made abundant through my falsehood to his glory, why then am I to be judged as a sinner? 8As for those who blaspheme against us, saying that we say, Let us do evil that good may come, their condemnation is reserved for eternal justice.

9What then do we uphold that is superior? We have already decided concerning both Jews and Syrians, for they are all under sin.

10As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

11There are none who understand, there are none who seek after God.

12They are all gone astray and they have been rejected: there are none who do good, no, not one.

13Their throats are like open sepulchres; their tongues are deceitful; the venom of asps is under their lips.

14Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.

15They are over-quick to shed blood.

16Destruction and misery are in their ways.

17They have not known the way of peace.

18There is no fear of God before their eyes.

19Now we know that whatever the law says, it is said to those who are under the law: so that every mouth may be shut, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20For by the deeds of the law, no flesh shall be justified before his presence: for by means of the law, sin is known.

21But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, and the very law and prophets testify to it; 22But the righteousness of God is by the faith of Jesus Christ to every one, also to every man who believes in him, for there is no discrimination: 23For all have sinned and are short of the glory of God: 24For they are freely bestowed righteousness by the grace of God through the salvation which is in Jesus Christ, 25Whom God has foreordained to be a propitiation through faith in his blood for the remission of our sins that are past; 26By the opportunity which God has given us through his forbearance, for the manifestation of his righteousness at the present time, that he might be declared righteous; and for the justification of righteousness to him who is in the faith of our LORD Jesus Christ.

27Where is boasting then? It is worthless. By what law? of works? No: but by the law of faith. 28Therefore we conclude that it is by faith a man is justified and not by the works of the law. 29Why? Is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also God of the Gentiles? Yes, he is God of the Gentiles also; 30Because it is one God, who justifies the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision by the same faith.

31Why, then? Do we nullify the law through faith? Far be it: on the contrary, we uphold the law.