Romans 3:22-23
the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "unto all and upon all who believe" isn't just emphasizing that this righteousness is for everyone; it highlights that it's both directed towards all people and extends over all believers. This means God's righteousness is offered universally and then actively applied to those who trust in Jesus.
Paul has just demonstrated that both Jews and Gentiles fall short of God's glory and are justified not by obeying the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. This verse then reveals that this divine righteousness, given by God, is accessed solely through faith in Jesus. It’s a righteousness for everyone, with no exceptions or distinctions between people.
We often think of righteousness as something we do. But what if it's something God gives?
Paul is making a huge point here: this 'righteousness of God' isn't earned through keeping rules or performing good deeds. It's a gift that comes from God. It's not about us proving ourselves worthy, but about God's gracious provision. This is a massive shift from how many people understood God's favor before. It means true standing with God isn't about your performance, but about God's action.
If righteousness is a gift from God, how do we receive it?
The verse tells us clearly: 'through faith in Jesus Christ'. Faith here isn't just intellectual agreement; it's a deep trust and reliance on Jesus. It's like an open hand reaching out to receive what God is offering. The 'faith of Jesus Christ' phrasing can be understood as faith in Jesus Christ – making Him the object of our trust. This faith is the crucial element that connects us to God's righteousness.
Paul drops a bombshell: 'For there is no distinction.' What does that mean for us today?
This phrase shatters any idea that God plays favorites. Whether you're Jewish or Gentile, rich or poor, educated or not – God’s offer of righteousness through faith in Jesus is for everyone. There's no special insider group. Every single person stands on the same level before God, in need of His grace and able to receive it through faith. It’s a radical inclusivity that was revolutionary then and remains powerful today.
Understand the original words
pistis · Greek Noun
The Greek word often denotes trust, reliance, or firm conviction in a person or message. In the New Testament, it is the fundamental response to God’s revelation, anchoring one's entire life in the person and work of Christ.
hēmarton · Greek Verb
To miss the mark; to fall short of God’s standard of holiness and perfection. It is a rebellion against God's law and a corruption of human nature.
doxa · Greek Noun
The manifestation of God's presence, majesty, and character. For humans, it refers to the state of perfection originally intended for creation that was forfeited through sin.
This passage echoes the 'no distinction' theme, stating that in Christ, there's neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, highlighting spiritual equality and unity.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's realization that God shows no favoritism and accepts anyone who fears Him and does what is right directly supports the idea that God's righteousness is available to all who believe, regardless of background.
Isaiah 49:6This prophetic verse speaks of the Messiah being a light to the nations and salvation to the ends of the earth, pointing forward to the universal offer of God's saving righteousness through faith.
Romans 1:17This verse introduces the concept of the 'righteousness of God' revealed through faith, laying the groundwork for Romans 3:22 by showing that righteousness comes from God and is received by faith.
Luke 18:9-14The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector powerfully illustrates the 'no distinction' principle, showing that humility and genuine faith, not self-righteousness, are what make one right with God.
meyerRomans 3:22: "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:"
Romans 3:22 . A righteousness of God, however , (mediated) through faith in Jesus Christ . On δέ , with the repetition of the same idea, to be defined now however more precisely, the δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ (not merely δικαιοσύνη , as Hofmann insists contrary to the words); comp Romans 9:30 . See on Php 2:8 . The genitive Ἰ. Χ. contains the object of faith[…
pulpitRomans 3:22: "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:"
Verse 22. - Even the righteousness of God through faith of Jesus Christ unto all (and upon all is added in the Textus Receptus, but ill supported) them that believe: for there is no distinction. We observe that the expression here used is not ἡ διὰ πίστεως but simply διὰ πίστεως. Thus διὰ πίστεως does not naturally connect itself with δικαιοσύνη Θεο…
The phrase "unto all and upon all who believe" isn't just emphasizing that this righteousness is for everyone; it highlights that it's both directed towards all people and extends over all believers. This means God's righteousness is offered universally and then actively applied to those who trust in Jesus.
Paul has just demonstrated that both Jews and Gentiles fall short of God's glory and are justified not by obeying the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. This verse then reveals that this divine righteousness, given by God, is accessed solely through faith in Jesus. It’s a righteousness for everyone, with no exceptions or distinctions between people.
Paul has just demonstrated that both Jews and Gentiles fall short of God's glory and are justified not by obeying the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. This verse then reveals that this divine righteousness, given by God, is accessed solely through faith in Jesus. It’s a righteousness for everyone, with no exceptions or distinctions between people.
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"the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," — The phrase "unto all and upon all who believe" isn't just emphasizing that this righteousness is for everyone; it highlights that it's both directed towards all people and extends over all believ…
