Romans 3:20

Therefore This verse sums up the great argument begun at Romans 1:18, and more especially that begun at Romans 2:1. The Apostle has laid deep the foundation of the fact of universal and intense sinfulness and guilt. Now he will, in the true order, speak of the Divine Remedy.

deeds of the law i.e. "prescribed by the Law," specially by the O. T. as the preceptive revelation; but practically also by its counterpart in every human being Conscience (see Romans 1:14). That the ceremonial law alone is not meant is particularly plain from the recent quotation of purely moral passages as "the Law" (Romans 3:18). The subsequent argument of the Epistle entirely accords with this, and practically explains that "works of the law" are acts of human obedience viewed as satisfactory, or meritorious, in regard of salvation.

no flesh "No human being." So 1 Corinthians 1:29; Galatians 2:16. See too John 17:2.

justified See note on Romans 2:13.

by the law is the knowledge of sin The Gr. for "knowledge" is a special word, meaning full or particular knowledge. The idea of sin does indeed always exist in conscience. But the express revelation of the holy will of God calls out and intensifies that idea, and also makes plain the results and doom of sin, without stating any terms of pardon, which it is not the business of the Precept to offer. See the Apostle's own comment, Romans 7:7-8. It is the revealed Precept which, above all things, makes sin known as evil done against the Holy One.