The Gentiles were seen as synonymous with sinners,1 not only because they did not observe the Mosaic law, but also because they did not possess the law and thus did not have the possibility of obtaining righteousness through it.2 By referring to Gentile sinners,
Paul is emphasizing their previous status as those who lived outside the bounds of the old covenant.3 The Jews, by contrast, were recipients of God’s promises.4
15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners;