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Question 9
On Romans 3:19, Paul argues that because Psalm 14 is “from the law,” it first condemns Jews (“those under the law”), and Chrysostom asks, “Why would a prophet sent for your correction end up accusing other people?”—how do you shift blame to “outsiders,” and what would it look like to let Scripture’s rebukes land on the church first?
Another way to ask: How do you tend to blame “outsiders” instead of letting Scripture correct the church first? What would it look like for the Bible’s warnings to hit us before we aim them at others?

Direct Answer The transcript teaches that God’s rebukes in Scripture should first correct God’s own people, so shifting blame to “outsiders” ignores the point: the prophets were sent for Israel’s correction, and the church likewise must receive rebuke before pointing outward.

Support from Transcript:

  • Romans 3:19 is explained: “whatever the law said, it said to those who are under the law,” meaning Psalm 14’s denunciations are “written against the Jews.”
  • The teacher paraphrases: “David is talking about the sins of his fellow Israelites.”
  • Chrysostom’s pointed question is quoted: “Why would a prophet who is sent for your correction end up accusing other people?”
  • The transcript clarifies Paul is not denying Gentile sin; Romans 1 already showed Gentiles “under sin.”
  • The purpose is leveling pride: Jews “stand on no better ground than the Gentiles,” and the accusations “pav[e] the way for faith.”
Discussion Follow-ups When you read biblical warnings, do you instinctively think of “the culture” first? What practices could help your church apply Scripture’s rebukes inwardly—so that “every mouth may be stopped”—before speaking to the world?

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