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Romans 03 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetry in 3:4, 10-18, which is quoted from the OT.
Chapter 2 explained that all Jews are condemned because they violated the law of Moses and that Gentiles could be saved. Chapter 3 answers the question: what advantage does being a Jew have over being a Gentile? (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses and rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save)
Special concepts in this chapter
Universal Condemnation
This chapter explains that the whole world is without excuse and has enough knowledge to seek after and believe in the true God, Yahweh. Sin is a problem for all of mankind and enslaves the unbeliever in their sin. This refutes the common understanding that "all people are basically good." (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe and rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin)
"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God"
The standard required for entrance into heaven and being in the presence of God is perfection. Anything less than perfect leads to condemnation. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven and rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/condemn)
The purpose of the law of Moses
Obedience to the law cannot justify a person. The Law does not justify a person but is a way a person displays their faith in God. It has always been faith that justified a person. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justify and rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Rhetorical Questions
These are frequently used in this chapter. It appears the intent of these rhetorical question is to make the reader feel guilty, or to convict them in their sin and ultimately bring them to faith in Jesus. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion and rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/guilt)