Romans 3:22-24
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, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text emphasizes that God’s righteousness is not just for all who believe, but it’s also upon them, highlighting a rich, encompassing impartation rather than a simple offer. This dual prepositional language suggests a profound divine embrace that actively settles upon and covers believers, making it theirs in a deeply personal way.
Paul is building an argument that God's saving righteousness isn't found in the Law but is now revealed through faith in Jesus Christ. He's just shown how the Law actually condemns everyone, proving that no one can be made right with God by following it. This sets the stage for explaining that God's own righteousness is available to everyone who believes, regardless of their background.
Have you ever felt like you have to earn God's approval? This verse cuts through that idea like nothing else.
Paul is making a radical point here: the righteousness that truly counts with God doesn't come from following rules or performing good deeds. It's a 'righteousness of God.' This means it's something God gives, not something we achieve.
Think about it: God's own perfect standard of righteousness is being offered to us. It’s not a 'righteousness by law' or 'righteousness by works,' which we’ve already seen falls short (Romans 3:20). Instead, it's a divine gift, rooted in who God is and what He has done.
This shifts the entire focus from our performance to God's provision. It’s an amazing declaration that our standing before God isn't based on our flawed efforts but on His perfect, unearned gift.
So, if it's a gift, how do we receive it? This verse makes it crystal clear.
The 'how' of receiving this divine righteousness is through 'faith in Jesus Christ.' This isn't just a passive belief; it’s an active trust and reliance on Jesus and what He accomplished.
'Faith of Jesus Christ' (or 'faith in Jesus Christ' as many understand it) means our faith is directed towards Him. It's believing who He is (the Son of God) and what He did (His atoning sacrifice and resurrection) as the basis for our acceptance with God.
This faith acts as the bridge, connecting us to God's provision. It’s the instrument through which the righteousness of God is applied to us, transforming our standing from sinful to righteous in God's eyes.
Who gets access to this incredible gift? The answer is breathtakingly inclusive.
The powerful conclusion Paul draws is: 'For there is no distinction.' This is a game-changer! It means this righteousness from God, received by faith in Jesus, isn't reserved for a select few – not for a particular nationality, social status, or religious background.
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.
dikaioumenoi · Greek Verb (participle)
Paul is writing to a mixed community of Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome. His emphasis on God's righteousness coming 'through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe' directly addresses the tension and potential division between these groups, asserting that salvation is equally available and based on faith for everyone, regardless of their background.
c. 1500 BC
The Law is Given
God gives the Mosaic Law to the Israelites, establishing a covenant and a system of righteousness based on obedience. This law becomes the benchmark for righteousness, but also highlights humanity's inability to perfectly keep it.
c. 400 BC
End of Old Testament Prophecy
The period of Old Testament prophecy concludes. For centuries, Jews lived under the Law, and prophets pointed toward a future Messiah who would bring a new way of righteousness.
c. 1st Century AD
Roman Rule in Judea
Judea is under Roman occupation. Tensions exist between Jewish religious expectations and Roman political authority, creating a complex social and religious landscape.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry, Death, and Resurrection
Jesus lives, teaches, dies for sins, and is resurrected. This central event in history is the foundation for the 'righteousness of God' that Paul discusses.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of Romans 3:22 by stating that in Christ, there is no distinction between Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, highlighting the universal application of God's redemptive work.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's realization that God shows no favoritism and accepts anyone who fears Him and does what is right directly parallels the 'no distinction' mentioned in Romans 3:22, demonstrating this truth in practice.
Isaiah 53:6This prophetic passage describes humanity as sheep gone astray, with each turning to their own way, establishing the universal need for a savior that Romans 3:22 addresses by offering God's righteousness to all who believe.
John 3:16This foundational verse emphasizes God's love for 'the world' and His provision of His unique Son for 'whoever believes' in Him, mirroring the 'unto all' and 'them that believe' of Romans 3:22.
Deuteronomy 30:11-14This Old Testament passage speaks of God's commands being not too hard nor too far away, but 'very near you,' which Paul can later echo by pointing to faith in Jesus Christ as the accessible way to righteousness, available to all.
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 text emphasizes that God’s righteousness is not just for all who believe, but it’s also upon them, highlighting a rich, encompassing impartation rather than a simple offer. This dual prepositional language suggests a profound divine embrace that actively settles upon and covers believers, making it theirs in a deeply personal way.
Paul is building an argument that God's saving righteousness isn't found in the Law but is now revealed through faith in Jesus Christ. He's just shown how the Law actually condemns everyone, proving that no one can be made right with God by following it. This sets the stage for explaining that God's own righteousness is available to everyone who believes, regardless of their background.
Paul is building an argument that God's saving righteousness isn't found in the Law but is now revealed through faith in Jesus Christ. He's just shown how the Law actually condemns everyone, proving that no one can be made right with God by following it. This sets the stage for explaining that God's own righteousness is available to everyone who believes, regardless of their background.
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Historically, Jews had the law and felt they had a unique standing. Gentiles were on the outside. But Paul demolishes this wall. Whether you're Jewish or Gentile, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, you are on the same playing field before God.
All have sinned (as we saw in chapter 3), and therefore all equally need this divine righteousness. And God, in His grace, offers it equally to all who believe. The offer is universal, and the reception is through faith, irrespective of any other factor.
A legal term denoting God's act of declaring a sinner righteous. It is a judicial verdict based on the finished work of Christ, not on the individual's merit or works.
charis · Greek Noun
The unmerited, favor of God toward the undeserving. It is the basis for salvation, provided freely by God's own initiative and love.
apolytrōsis · Greek Noun
The act of buying back or setting free from slavery or captivity through the payment of a price. Biblically, it refers to deliverance from the bondage of sin and its penalty via the death of Christ.
c. AD 40s-60s— this verse
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul travels extensively, establishing churches and writing letters. His ministry often focuses on bridging the gap between Jewish and Gentile believers.
"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, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Ch…" — The text emphasizes that God’s righteousness is not just for all who believe, but it’s also upon them, highlighting a rich, encompassing impartation rather than a simple offer. This dual preposit…
