Romans 3 – question 3
In Romans 3:21, Paul writes, « But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets bear witness. » This statement is foundational for understanding how Paul views the relationship between the Old and New Covenants. When he says that the Law and the Prophets bear witness to the righteousness of God, he emphasizes that this righteousness, now revealed through Faith in Christ, was already present and anticipated in the Scriptures of the Old Testament. Here’s how to understand this statement.
1. The righteousness of God revealed apart from the Law
Paul declares that the righteousness of God has been revealed « apart from the Law, » meaning that it does not depend on observing the commands of the Mosaic Law. This righteousness is accessible through Faith in Jesus Christ rather than through specific works or rituals of the Law. However, while this righteousness is now manifested independently of the Law, it is not in conflict with it; in fact, the Law and the Prophets have already testified to it.
2. What does « the Law and the Prophets » mean?
The phrase « the Law and the Prophets » is a common expression in Jewish culture referring to the entirety of the Old Testament Scriptures. It includes:
- The Law (Torah), the first five books of Moses, which contain God’s commandments to Israel, as well as the foundational narratives of the Jewish faith.
- The Prophets, which include the prophetic writings such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the « minor » prophets like Amos and Malachi. The prophets often called the Israelites back to God and foretold the coming of a Messiah.
By saying that « the Law and the Prophets » bear witness to the righteousness of God, Paul asserts that the Old Testament as a whole anticipates and attests to this righteousness, which is now fully revealed in Christ.
3. How do the Law and the Prophets bear witness to God’s righteousness?
A. Through messianic promises and prophecies
Many Old Testament passages foretell the coming of a Savior or Messiah who would fulfill God’s righteousness and bring salvation. For example:
- Isaiah 53 describes the « suffering servant » who bears the sins of many, accomplishing God’s righteousness through His sacrifice. This prophetic passage points to Redemption through an act of divine justice.
- Jeremiah 23:5-6 speaks of a « Righteous Branch » from the line of David who will be called « The Lord Our Righteousness » (Yahweh Tsidkenu). Here, God’s righteousness is embodied in a future messianic king who will establish justice.
These and many other passages show that the righteousness of God is not a new idea in the New Testament; it was prophesied and anticipated by the prophets.
B. Through the Law, which reveals the need for divine righteousness
The Mosaic Law itself indirectly testifies to the righteousness of God because it reveals God’s holy character and exposes human sinfulness. While the Law cannot justify on its own (cf. Romans 3:20), it highlights the gap between God’s holiness and human sinfulness, underscoring the need for divine intervention to bridge that gap.
In fact, the Law, with its system of sacrifices for Sin, points to the need for a perfect righteousness that humans cannot achieve on their own. The Old Testament sacrifices, for example, symbolized the need for Atonement and purification, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
4. The fulfillment of divine righteousness in Jesus Christ
Paul wants to show that the righteousness of God revealed in Christ aligns with the promise of Scripture. This righteousness, now fully revealed through faith, is consistent with the Old Testament:
- The prophets foretold a Messiah who would establish a new covenant of righteousness.
- The sacrifices and the Law laid the groundwork by highlighting the need for a righteousness beyond human works.
5. Jesus’ own teaching on the Law and the Prophets
Jesus affirms that the Law and the Prophets speak of Him and His redemptive work:
- In Matthew 5:17, He says, « I have not come to abolish [the Law or the Prophets], but to fulfill. »
- After His resurrection, He explains to the disciples on the road to Emmaus that « everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms » had to be fulfilled (Luke 24:27, 44).
For Paul, Jesus’ teaching and the continuity between the Old Testament and the revelation of Christ demonstrate that this new and perfect righteousness, accessible through faith, is not a departure but a fulfillment of God’s revelation in the Old Testament.
Conclusion
In Romans 3:21, Paul asserts that the righteousness of God, now revealed in Christ, is available apart from the Mosaic Law. However, this righteousness is not in conflict with the Old Testament; rather, the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it. Through promises, prophecies, and symbols, they foretold a perfect and divine righteousness, which would ultimately be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This continuity between the Old and New Testaments attests to God’s faithfulness and consistency in His plan of salvation.