Bible Strands
Romans 3:8
Why not say, as some slanderously claim that we say, “Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is deserved!
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Roman church, confronting a distorted accusation that his teaching on grace encourages moral license, positioned between his argument about God’s truth shining through human falsehood (Romans 3:7) and his conclusion that all people are under sin (Romans 3:9).
The words — βλασφημούμεθα (blasphēmoumetha) means “we are slandered,” and φασίν (phasin) means “they affirm,” highlighting the false claim attributed to his message.
The thread — The same antinomian objection appears in Romans 6:1 and Romans 6:15, where Paul directly rejects the idea that sin should be pursued to magnify grace, while Romans 5:20 only describes how the law increased trespass and grace superabounded.
Why it lands — It demands the reader reject any theological framework that justifies moral failure for perceived spiritual gain and accept that distorting the gospel warrants condemnation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
Cross-references
- Romans 6:1 What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase?
- Romans 6:15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? Certainly not!
- Romans 5:20 The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more,
- Romans 7:7 What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been mindful of sin if not for the law. For I would not have been aware of coveting if the law had not said, “Do not covet.”
- 1 Peter 3:16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.
- Jude 1:4 For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
- Matthew 5:11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.