[3] In this chapter, Paul asks a series of rhetorical questions in order to develop his theological message,[a] and quotes extensively from the Hebrew Bible.

Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter are: In verse 2, the chief advantage, or benefit, or responsibility, or superiority[9] of the Jewish people is their possession of the Hebrew Bible (τα λογια του θεου, ta logia tou theou, 'the very words of God' New International Version).

Stephen, whose martyrdom Paul had witnessed before his conversion, called the scriptures the 'living oracles' (λογια ζωντα, logia zōnta).

; consistent with Romans 7:7–24), as supported by a compilation of citations from the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament texts) in verses 10–18 describing humanity's utter depravity or incapability of not sinning (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Psalm 5:10; 10:7; 14:1—3; 53:2—4; 36:2; 140:4; Isaiah 59:7—8; Proverbs 1:16).

[18] This section (extending to verse 31) revisits 'the grand theme', "the righteousness of God", which is introduced in the Thanksgiving part of chapter 1.

[18] Comprising one paragraph, verses 21–26 is called by Stuhlmacher as "the heart of the letter to the Romans",[19] stating that "the divine character—faithful, gracious, forgiving, and merciful—has been revealed in Jesus Christ, specifically in his death as "a sacrifice for sin effective through faith".