ACC ~ Romans 3 v23

A PROPER FEAR. IRENAEUS: We ought not to be puffed up or severe on those of ancient times, but ought ourselves to fear, lest after we have come to the knowledge of Christ we obtain no further forgiveness of sins. If later we do things displeasing to God, we are shut out of his kingdom. AGAINST HERESIES 4.27.2.

NATURE AND THE LAW HAVE FAILED. SEVERIAN: Paul shows that nature has failed the Gentiles and that both nature and the law have failed the Jews, before going on to mention the grace of the gospel and saying: “What do we have by grace which is special and superior? Faith, made effective by the righteousness of Christ.” … Paul does not say that all have broken the law but that all have sinned in a general sense. Now the one who is lacking something tries to make up his deficiency. The Jews had the law, but they were lacking the fullness of grace. PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH.

ALL INCLUDES SAINTS. AMBROSIASTER: This includes both Jews and Greeks. For all here includes even the saints in order to show that nobody can keep the law without faith. For the law was given in such a way that faith was also embedded in it. This faith looked toward a future salvation. Thus the death of Christ benefits everyone, because it has here in this world taught what is to be believed and observed, and in the future it will deliver everyone from hell. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

NOT TO ELICIT DESPAIR. CHRYSOSTOM: There is no difference at all between the Greek, the Scythian, the Thracian or even the Jew, for all are in the same plight. … Even if you have not done the same sins as others, you have still been deprived of God’s glory just as they have been, because you are among those who have offended. … However, Paul was saying this not to cast them into despair but rather to show the love of the Lord toward man, as he goes on to say [in the following verses]. HOMILIES ON ROMANS 7.

THE GLORY OF GOD. PELAGIUS: All sinners need the glory of God because they do not have their own. PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON ROMANS.

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