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What then? Are we better than they? No, in no way. For we previously charged both Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin.
Verse Takeaways
1
No Spiritual Elite
Paul decisively answers the question, "Are we [Jews] better than they [Gentiles]?" with a firm "No, in no wise." Commentators emphasize this as the great equalizer. Despite their unique covenant relationship with God, the Jewish people were just as subject to the power and guilt of sin as everyone else. This directly challenged the common belief of their inherent spiritual superiority.
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Romans
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15
18th Century
Presbyterian
What then? This is another remark supposed to be made by a Jewish objector: "What follows? Or are we to infer that we are better than othe…
What then? (τ ουν?). Paul's frequent query, to be taken with verses 1,2.
Are we in worse case than they? (…
19th Century
Anglican
Are we better than they? — "Can we claim a preference?" The form of the Greek verb is peculiar. It seems, overall, best to take it…
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Baptist
What then? are we better than they?
Are Jews better than Gentiles? Or, are Gentiles better than Jews?
No, in no wise: for …
Paul now identifies himself with the Jews, of whom he has been speaking. He asks whether they, with their moral and spiritual fitness, have an edge…
16th Century
Protestant
What then? He returns from his digression to his subject. For so that the Jews should not object that they were deprived of their right, a…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
What then? are we better than they ? &c.] The apostle returns to what he was treating of in the beginning of the cha…
It is shown here again that all humankind are under the guilt of sin as a burden; and under the government and dominion of sin, enslaved by it to d…
13th Century
Catholic
After showing the Jews’ advantage over the Gentiles regarding God’s blessings, the Apostle now rejects their vainglory, by which they set…