1 So then, what more is the Jew, or what is the usefulness of circumcision?
2 Much in every way: First of all, certainly, because the eloquence of God was entrusted to them.
3 But what if some of them have not believed? Shall their unbelief nullify the faith of God? Let it not be so!
4 For God is truthful, but every man is deceitful; just as it was written: "Therefore, you are justified in your words, and you will prevail when you give judgment."
5 But if even our injustice points to the justice of God, what shall we say? Could God be unfair for inflicting wrath?
6 (I am speaking in human terms.) Let it not be so! Otherwise, how would God judge this world?
7 For if the truth of God has abounded, through my falseness, unto his glory, why should I still be judged as such a sinner?
8 And should we not do evil, so that good may result? For so we have been slandered, and so some have claimed we said; their condemnation is just.
9 What is next? Should we try to excel ahead of them? By no means! For we have accused all Jews and Greeks to be under sin,
10 just as it was written: "There is no one who is just.
11 There is no one who understands. There is no one who seeks God.
12 All have gone astray; together they have become useless. There is no one who does good; there is not even one.
13 Their throat is an open sepulcher. With their tongues, they have been acting deceitfully. The venom of asps is under their lips.
14 Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood.
16 Grief and unhappiness are in their ways.
17 And the way of peace they have not known.
18 There is no fear of God before their eyes."
Loading reference in secondary version...