Hello D,

I’ve been able to spend a little time looking at Romans 3:19-22 again. Here are a couple comments that may be helpful. I don’t remember what version you were using, so I’ve copied the KJV, but can look at another translation if you let me know which one that is as well.

Romans 3 starts out asking what advantage is there in being a Jew? (Notice Paul’s definition of a Jew: Rom. 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: Rom. 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.)

He asks in verse 9 if Jews are better than Gentiles… The answer is “No, in no wise.” Why? Because “all are under sin.” He then leads the reader through an Old Testament Bible study, referencing Micah, the Psalms, 1 Kings, Isaiah and more showing the Bible condemning all humanity. Then he continues with verse 19 in question:

Rom. 3:19 ¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

The first reference to “law” could mean either the ‘law and the prophets’ (which he just quoted from several times) or the moral law of the Ten Commandments. Either way it’s true, all the world is guilty before God because of what the law (of the Old Testament Scriptures and moral law) says.

Rom. 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 

This last part is exactly opposite to what he said in 2:13: “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” Here’s how to understand that… chapter 2 is in the context of the judgment. Chapter 3 is in the context of salvation. We are judged by our works, we are not saved by our works. Therefore, it can be said both ways without any contradiction.

Rom. 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 

Righteousness by faith, without keeping the law to earn that righteousness, is what is being spoken of (as stated in the next verse).

Rom. 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 

This and the next verse show that “all” the world have sinned, including both Jews and Gentiles.

Rom. 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;