1 Exegesis of Romans 3:21-31 I. Translation 21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, though borne witness 1 by the law and the prophets; 22 that is, 2 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ 3 for all who believe, for there is no distinction. 23 For [they] 4 all sinned and [thereby] 5 lack the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by his grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus— 25 whom God set forth as a propitiatory sacrifice 6 through faith, by his blood, for the demonstration of his righteousness due to the passing over of sins previously committed 26 in the forbearance of God; for the demonstration of his righteousness in the present time, [to the end] 7 that he be righteous even in justifying 8 the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded. Through what kind of law? Of works? No, but through a law of faith. 28 For we hold that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God of the Jews only? And not of the Gentiles? Yes, even of Gentiles, 30 since God—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith—is one. 31 Then do we nullify the law through faith? May it never happen! Rather, we uphold the law. II. Exegetical Idea Subject: The righteous status before God, previously absent from man because of his sin, has now been made available by the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross—a work which simultaneously satisfied the wrath of God and eradicated sin from man’s ledger. Because the results of this act of redemption are enjoyed by men solely on account of their faith in Jesus, there is no cause for boasting and every cause for unity among the people of God, both Jew and Gentile. Complement: This subject focuses primarily on the δικ-root terms which form the heart of Paul’s message in this passage. The righteous status (δικαιοσυνη) is gained by man’s faith in Jesus (δικαιοω). The underlying requirement for justification has been met in the sacrificial work of Jesus (ἱλαστηριον, ἀπολυτρωσις) and this work is appropriated to man sola fide, by faith alone. III. Exegetical Outline I. The righteousness of God is revealed (vv. 21-26) a. This revelation occurs apart from the law (v. 21) i. Though the law and prophets testify to it (v. 21b) b. This manifest righteousness is accessed via a specific avenue and directed toward specific objects (v. 22a-b) i. Righteousness is through faith in Christ Jesus (v. 22a) ii. Righteousness is for all who believe (v. 22b) 1 Concessive participle. See commentary. 2 Explanatory δε. 3 Objective genitive. See commentary. 4 I take πας here as a reference to the same πας in the preceding verse. See commentary. 5 This clarifies the causal relationship between the two verbs. 6 See commentary for full discussion of ἱλαστηριον. 7 This emphasizes the result/purpose intention. 8 Concessive participle. See commentary.