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Book of Romans - Chapter 3 - Verse 5

3:5
But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

Meaning

In this verse, the Apostle Paul addresses a common argument that might arise regarding God's righteousness and judgment. He poses the question of whether our unrighteousness serves to highlight God's righteousness when He exercises judgment. Paul acknowledges that this line of reasoning might lead someone to believe that God is unjust in His punishment. However, he quickly dismisses this thought by clarifying that he is speaking as a mere man, and that God's judgments are always perfectly just, even when we may not fully understand them. This verse serves as a reminder that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His judgments are always fair and just, even if they may seem harsh to us. It encourages believers to trust in God's righteousness and not question His judgment, knowing that He is always just and merciful in all His ways.

Theological Overview

Within this verse in Romans, Paul grapples with questions of human nature and the nature of God. The phrase "But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God" delves into the complexity of how even our wrongdoing can ultimately serve to highlight God's righteousness and justice. This thought leads Paul to question whether God, in His righteousness and justice, is actually unjust when He administers vengeance. This inner turmoil is clarified by Paul indicating that he is speaking in human terms, recognizing the limitations of human understanding when it comes to the divine. The theological interpretation of this verse prompts believers to contemplate the intricacies of God's righteousness and justice, demonstrating that even in the face of human sin, God's righteousness remains steadfast and true.

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