Romans 3

What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?

Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?

For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?

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.

What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:

Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:

Their feet are swift to shed blood:

Destruction and misery are in their ways:

And the way of peace have they not known:

There is no fear of God before their eyes.

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

What does Romans 3:22 mean?

Explanation

Romans 3:22 articulates a fundamental Christian doctrine: the concept of justification by faith.

According to this verse, righteousness, or right standing before God, is made possible through faith in Jesus Christ and is available to all who believe.

This righteousness is described as coming from God and is not something that can be achieved through human efforts or adherence to the Law.

The phrase "[...] unto all and upon all them that believe" suggests that this divine righteousness is accessible to anyone who has faith in Jesus, without distinction or discrimination among individuals.

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Historical Context

The Book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 57 to the church in Rome, which likely comprised both Jewish and Gentile (non-Jewish) believers.

At that time, there was often conflict between these two groups over issues of the Law of Moses and the requirements for salvation.

Paul's letter seeks to address these tensions and clarify that salvation is not exclusive to the Jews (the recipients of the Law) but is available to all people through faith in Christ, regardless of their cultural or religious background.

Theological Insights

This verse reflects several key theological concepts:

Justification by Faith: The idea that individual righteousness before God is granted through faith alone, not by works or adherence to the Law.
Universality of Salvation: Highlighting that all who believe, both Jews and Gentiles, are recipients of God's righteousness.
Christ-Centered Righteousness: The righteousness discussed is specifically linked to faith in Jesus Christ, separating Christian faith from other belief systems centered around different figures or principles.

Different denominations might emphasize various aspects of this verse. For instance, Protestant reformers stressed 'sola fide' (faith alone) as a cornerstone of their doctrine, while Catholic teaching emphasizes the necessity of faith alongside the role of the Church and sacraments.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Romans 3:22 encourages individuals:

To approach God with humility, recognizing that righteousness is a gift from God, not something we earn.
To embrace a spirit of inclusivity, acknowledging that faith in Christ is what unites believers across different backgrounds.
To live with confidence and assurance, knowing that one's status before God is secured through Jesus Christ and not subject to continual reevaluation based on deeds.

Cross-References

Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." 2.

Galatians 3:28 - "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." 3.

Philippians 3:9 - "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith."

Language Study

Key terms in the original Greek text of Romans 3:22 include:

Righteousness (δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosynē): Generally denotes a state of moral rightness or justice, often associated with God's character.
Faith (πίστις, pistis): Implies trust, belief, or confidence, particularly in the context of religious commitment to Jesus.
Believe (πιστεύω, pisteuō): The action of exercising the type of faith mentioned above, entrusting oneself to Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing the concept in Romans 3:22 with other religious beliefs, it is quite distinct from systems that emphasize achieving righteousness through adherence to the law or through a series of prescribed acts.

In contrast to ancient myths that might have heroes attain favor with the gods through great feats, Christianity posits that divine favor (righteousness) is a gift extended to humanity through faith in the divine act of Jesus Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

Romans 3:22 intersects with science in that it speaks to the existential questions about human nature and purpose.

While scientific methods do not address issues of faith and righteousness directly, psychological studies on belief show that faith can significantly influence human behavior and societal structures.

Commentaries

Experts' interpretations on Romans 3:22 largely align on the foundational role of faith for justification before God:

John Stott, a leading Anglican commentator, emphasizes that the righteousness of God is a status He imparts to the believing sinner, rather than a character trait or behavior we cultivate.
N.T.

Wright, a New Testament scholar, points out that this declaration was revolutionary, insisting that faith, and not ethnicity or observance of the law, determines one's status before God.

Douglas Moo, in his commentary on Romans, underscores the fact that this righteousness from God eliminates any grounds for human boasting, as it is entirely a result of God's grace and not human effort.

Romans 3

Romans 3

What does Romans 3:22 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Romans 3:22 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?