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[1] WHAT then is the superiority of the Jew? or what is the importance of circumcision?
[2] Much in every way: because the Jews were the first to believe in the words of God.
[3] For what if some had not believed, could their unbelief nullify the faith of God?
[4] Far 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.
[5] Now 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.
[6] Far be it: for then how could God judge the world?
[7] For if the truth of God is made abundant through my falsehood to his glory, why then am I to be judged as a sinner?
[8] As 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.
[9] What then do we uphold that is superior? We have already decided concerning both Jews and Syrians, for they are all under sin.
[10] As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
[11] There are none who understand, there are none who seek after God.
[12] They are all gone astray and they have been rejected: there are none who do good, no, not one.
[13] Their throats are like open sepulchres; their tongues are deceitful; the venom of asps is under their lips.
[14] Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.
[15] They are over-quick to shed blood.
[16] Destruction and misery are in their ways.
[17] They have not known the way of peace.
[18] There is no fear of God before their eyes.
[19] Now 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.
[20] For by the deeds of the law, no flesh shall be justified before his presence: for by means of the law, sin is known.
[21] But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, and the very law and prophets testify to it;
[22] But 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:
[23] For all have sinned and are short of the glory of God:
[24] For they are freely bestowed righteousness by the grace of God through the salvation which is in Jesus Christ,
[25] Whom God has foreordained to be a propitiation through faith in his blood for the remission of our sins that are past;
[26] By 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.
[27] Where is boasting then? It is worthless. By what law? of works? No: but by the law of faith.
[28] Therefore we conclude that it is by faith a man is justified and not by the works of the law.
[29] Why? Is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also God of the Gentiles? Yes, he is God of the Gentiles also;
[30] Because it is one God, who justifies the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision by the same faith.
[31] Why, then? Do we nullify the law through faith? Far be it: on the contrary, we uphold the law.
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