Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Romans 3:21

"But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;" — Romans 3:21 (ASV)

God’s “righteousness” (i.e., his method of bringing people into right relation to himself; GK 1466) is “apart from law.” This stands to reason, for Paul has been declaring that the law operates in quite another sphere, making those who live under it conscious of their sin (v.20). God’s righteousness “has been made known”; the Greek tense used here draws attention to the appearing of Jesus Christ in history (cf. 2 Timothy 1:10) and especially to the fulfillment of God’s saving purpose in him. Yet even before the Savior appeared, this method of making people right with himself was operating in principle, as “the Law and the Prophets”—a summary term for the OT—testify. This observation prepares the reader for the recital of God’s dealings with Abraham and David in the following chapter.