Romans 3:21-31

 “But now apart from the law the righteousness of God (which is attested by the law and the prophets) has been disclosed – namely, the righteousness of God through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God publicly displayed him at his death as the mercy seat accessible through faith. This was to demonstrate his righteousness, because God in his forbearance had passed over the sins previously committed. This was also to demonstrate his righteousness in the present time, so that he would be just and the justifier of the one who lives because of Jesus’ faithfulness. Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded! By what principle? Of works? No, but by the principle of faith! For we consider that a person is declared righteous by faith apart from the works of the law. Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the Gentiles too? Yes, of the Gentiles too! Since God is one, he will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then nullify the law through faith? Absolutely not! Instead we uphold the law.”

— ‭‭Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬-‭31‬‬

This is major passage for New Perspective on Paul. (And key passage for Romans in general.) 

Debate is whether “salvation” in Romans focuses on individual or more ethnic approach. Since Reformation at least, it’s been more individual. NPP argues at least emphasis is more ethnic/national approach (but not necessarily neglecting individual. 

Nevertheless, in 1:18-3:20, Paul has condemned all people(s). To give good news, Paul has demonstrated how God is completely holy and needs to show how He can accept sinners. But there’s also debate on meaning of “righteousness.” 

Will add later blog later on this. Also debate on “faith in Jesus” vs. “faithfulness of Jesus.” No evidence is concrete, but it may lean slightly toward the latter. Then the object of our faith is proven worthy of of our faith because He himself is faithful.

“All have sinned…” vv. 23 and following are actually one long sentence, including some participles (e.g., being justified), so the “all” that begins v. 23 refers to believers in this context. Otherwise, Paul would be preaching universalism. 

Fall short of the glory of God is probably a reference back to 1:21 where humans fails to glorify God. 

Justification typically refers to a declaration by God that the sinner is righteous. Cf Exod 23:7; Isa 5:22-23 for similar language. God does not justify for a bribe. He justifies freely. 

VV 24-26. Most atonement language uses metaphor, and ransom is another. Many writings about ransom in Greek literature involve price, but other times, even in LXX (Dan 4:34) focus on liberation or deliverance. Here, though a price may be mentioned in Jesus’ blood, the emphasis is on the liberation. 

Mercy seat vs. expiation vs. propitiation. The term could be any of these, but the NET has translated as the mercy seat, the actual place where atonement was made in the OT. Only other place the term is used is Heb 9:5. Propitiation is the satisfying of wrath. Expiation is taking away sin. Mercy seat is the place where all of this occurred. 

In his blood provides a mixed metaphor, because Jesus is now the place of the sacrifice and the sacrifice. 

The main point of this passage is to defend God’s righteousness. He places Jesus forth so that He is able to accept sinners as sons and daughters. There is so much work done on the atonement and what exactly happened. So many theories. I’m currently working through it and rethinking some things. Passages like this are very difficult. Wrath of God and sacrifice of Jesus confused a lot of people. How does this relate to the gift of God and the conquering of death and evil?

VV 27-31 come back or continue the ethnic or corporate salvation themes. All nations come to faith through Jesus, not the Jewish distinctive found in the law or their traditions. Rom 2 is key for condemning Jewish traditions and law keeping. Jews didn’t necessarily think of YHWH as their exclusive God. Paul may be using common theology with his audience to advance his argument.

How do we establish the law? Christ’s faithfulness fulfilled law (just had whole section on that) This vindicates God’s justification and holiness/righteousness. As we follow and abide in Christ, we gain new life. Faith does not prove the law wrong but points us to live the way God intended. Galatians will say we fulfill the law of love.