Bible Verse Meaning: Romans 3:21

Romans 3:21 reads: "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets." This passage serves as a pivot point in the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Romans, emphasizing a significant shift from the Old Covenant of law to the New Covenant of grace through faith.

Summary of Insights from Commentaries

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Henry explains that Paul contrasts the righteousness of God that is available apart from the law. This righteousness, which is revealed through faith in Jesus Christ, transcends the limitations of the Mosaic law. Henry notes that the prophets foretold this righteousness, emphasizing its divine origin.

• Albert Barnes' Commentary:

  Barnes highlights the "now" in this verse, marking a crucial transition in redemptive history. He stresses that the righteousness of God is not derived from the law but comes by faith. According to Barnes, this new revelation is confirmed by both the law and the prophets, ensuring its legitimacy and grounding in Scripture.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke discusses the implications of this righteousness being manifested "without the law." He articulates that this signifies a radical departure from legalism towards faith-based righteousness, which is accessible to all who believe, thereby emphasizing the universal offer of salvation.

Connections Between Bible Verses

Romans 3:21 ties into several other scriptures that illuminate its themes:

• Galatians 2:16: "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ." This verse aligns with Paul's teaching on righteousness by faith.
• Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." This reiterates the grace through faith theme presented in Romans 3:21.
• Isaiah 53:11: "He shall see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many." This is a prophetic reference that supports the righteousness revealed in Christ.
• Philippians 3:9: "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ." Paul reinforces the righteousness that comes from faith, echoing Romans 3:21.
• Hebrews 10:14: "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." This signifies Christ's once-for-all righteousness sufficient for believers.
• Romans 1:17: "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." Here, Paul sets the stage for his arguments regarding faith's central role in righteousness.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21: "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." This verse contextualizes the concept of imputed righteousness central to Romans 3:21.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

The thematic connections within the New Testament highlight the continuity of Paul's message regarding justification by faith:

• Faith vs. Works: Romans 3:21 emphasizes faith over adherence to the law, which is a recurring theme in Pauline literature.
• God’s Faithfulness: The righteousness of God is connected to His faithfulness, seen in passages like 2 Timothy 2:13.
• Universal Salvation: This righteousness is available to all, as seen in Romans 3:22: "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe."

Inter-Biblical Dialogue

Engaging with cross-references is crucial for understanding the fuller meaning of biblical texts. Romans 3:21 inspires a rich dialogue between the Old and New Testaments:

• The promise of righteousness through faith outlined in Genesis 15:6 is foundational for understanding New Testament themes.
• Paul's treatment of the law evokes discussions with Deuteronomy 30:11-14, where the law is intended to be accessible.
• Linking with Jeremiah 31:31-34, which foretells a new covenant, parallels the new revelation of righteousness without the law.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

Utilizing various tools enhances understanding and exploration of scriptural connections:

• Bible Concordance: Essential for quickly locating verses related to themes such as faith and righteousness.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: A systematic approach to finding similar or related verses throughout Scripture.
• Bible Reference Resources: These can include commentaries, dictionaries, and online databases promoting cross-referencing study.

Conclusion

Romans 3:21 encapsulates a profound theological truth: the righteousness of God is revealed through faith and not reliant on the law. This opening of grace to all believers stands as a central tenet of Paul's message throughout the New Testament. By engaging with the connections between Bible verses, individuals can deepen their understanding of God's plan revealed in Scripture.