What does Romans 3:31 mean?

Explanation

The verse Romans 3:31 is part of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans, where the theological foundation of the Christian faith is set forth.

Here, Paul addresses a potential misunderstanding regarding the relationship between the Law of Moses and the principle of faith in Jesus Christ.

The key concern is whether faith in Christ nullifies the need to follow the Mosaic Law.

In saying "Do we then make void the law through faith?", Paul anticipates an argument that faith could render the law obsolete.

The term "make void" suggests the idea of canceling or disregarding the law.

However, Paul's response "God forbid" is an emphatic rejection of this notion.

Instead, he asserts that faith does not abolish the law but rather "we establish the law," meaning that faith upholds, confirms, and sets the law on a firm foundation.

The deeper meaning implies that the true purpose and fulfillment of the law are realized through faith in Christ.

Historical Context

Romans was written by Paul in the mid-1st century A.D. when he was likely in Corinth and planning his visit to Rome.

The church in Rome was a mixture of Jewish and Gentile Christians.

A major theme of Romans is the universality of sin and the universal availability of God's righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Jewish Christians would have been steeped in the traditions of the Law, while the Gentile Christians would not have that same background.

Paul's aim was partly to address disputes and misunderstandings between these two groups about the role of the Law in light of the gospel.

Theological Insights

Many theologians have examined this verse, providing various insights:

• Reformed Theology: Often emphasizes that the Law highlights the Holiness of God and reveals mankind's sinfulness.

Thus, faith in Christ fulfills the Law's purpose by leading believers to righteousness through grace, not by their adherence to the Law's letter.

• Catholic Theology: May refer to the view of law as a means to know God's will.

Thus, faith does not abolish the Law but is harmoniously integrated with it.

This perspective often underscores the importance of moral actions in conjunction with faith.

• Dispensationalism: Sees a clear distinction between the Church's age of grace and the previous age of the Law, positing that the Law's civil and ceremonial aspects are not binding upon believers today.

Yet, faith in Christ upholds the Law's moral teachings as reflective of God's character.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to consider how their faith in Christ should relate to the moral and ethical standards of the Law.

It suggests that faith is not an excuse for moral laxity.

Rather, faith should lead to a deeper commitment to living out the values that the Law represents, such as justice, mercy, and love.

It challenges Christians to live with integrity and to promote the righteousness and moral order that the Law intended.

Cross-References

• Matthew 5:17: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."
• James 2:8: "If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:"
• Galatians 3:24: "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."

Language Study

Key words from this verse in the original Greek language include:

• "make void" (καταργοῦμεν, katargoumen): This word means to render inactive or useless, to nullify or abolish.
• "God forbid" (μὴ γένοιτο, mē genoito): This strong phrase is used by Paul to express rejection of a false conclusion.

It literally means "let it not be" or "may it never be".

• "establish" (ἱστάνομεν, histānomen): This implies setting up firmly or establishing something on a secure foundation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this concept to other religious traditions:

• Judaism: The Law, or Torah, is central to Jewish religious life.

The emphasis on continuing to uphold the Law in light of faith parallels the Jewish view of the Law as a perpetual covenant.

• Islam: The Quran speaks of previous scriptures and laws as being validated by Muhammad's teachings.

There is some parallel in the idea of not making previous revelations void but fulfilling them.

• Buddhism: Instead of the concept of law, Buddhism has the Dharma, which is the path of righteousness.

In some ways, one's adherence to Dharma might be reinforced and not voided by an individual's enlightenment, akin to the establishment of law through faith in Paul's context.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, as it addresses theological and moral principles rather than empirical claims.

However, one may consider how the concepts of ethical behavior and moral laws can relate to studies in psychology and sociology that examine the role of beliefs, values, and religious faith in human behavior.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry's Commentary: Suggests that by faith we do not overthrow, but we establish the law, because the righteousness of the law is fulfilled by those who believe in Christ.
• John Calvin's Commentaries: Emphasizes that the Law of God helps believers understand God's will and that faith in Christ confirms the usefulness and sanctity of the Law.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament: Explores the idea that the righteousness of God is made manifest in the gospel apart from the Law, yet the Law and Prophets bear witness to this righteousness.