Romans 3:22-24
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The phrase "unto all and upon all" isn't just a repetition for emphasis; it highlights the dual nature of God's righteousness: it is offered to everyone ("unto all") but only becomes effective when it is received and applied to individuals ("upon all who believe"). This shows that while the provision is universal, the appropriation is personal.
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)
Paul has just established that all people, both Jew and Gentile, have fallen short of God's glory and are therefore under sin's condemnation. He's explained that God's righteousness has been revealed in Christ, not through the Law, but through faith. Now, he clarifies that this divine righteousness is available to everyone who believes, breaking down any perceived barriers between people.
We often think of 'righteousness' as something we achieve. But Paul introduces a different kind: God's own righteousness.
Paul clarifies that the righteousness revealed in the gospel isn't about our good deeds or perfect adherence to rules. It's a righteousness that originates from God Himself.
Paul's declaration 'for there is no distinction' is radical. What does this 'no difference' truly mean in the context of God's righteousness?
The incredible truth here is that God's offer of righteousness through faith in Jesus is universally available. There are no special categories or exclusive clubs.
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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)
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.
Paul's declaration that God's righteousness is for 'all who believe' and that 'there is no distinction' directly confronts the long-standing Jewish belief that they alone were uniquely favored by God. This was a radical idea in a world deeply divided by ethnicity and religious practice.
c. 1400 BC
Giving of the Law at Sinai
God gives the Mosaic Law to Israel, establishing a covenant relationship based on obedience. This law highlights humanity's sinfulness and inability to perfectly keep God's commands.
c. 700 BC
Prophetic Warnings of Exile
Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah warn Israel and Judah of impending judgment and exile due to their persistent disobedience and idolatry.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians conquer Judah, destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, and exile many Israelites. This marks a severe judgment for breaking the covenant.
c. 400 BC - c. AD 1
Intertestamental Period
A period between the Old and New Testaments where Jewish people lived under various foreign empires, awaiting God's promised restoration and the coming of a Messiah.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry, Death, and Resurrection
Jesus Christ lives, teaches, dies as a sacrifice for sins, and is resurrected, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and inaugurating a new covenant.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Pentecost and the Early Church
The Holy Spirit empowers Jesus' followers, leading to the birth of the Church. The apostles begin proclaiming the gospel of God's righteousness through faith in Jesus.
c. AD 57-59
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the Roman church, elaborating on the gospel of God's righteousness, which is available to all who believe, Jew or Gentile.
This passage echoes the idea of no distinction by stating that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, highlighting the unifying effect of faith.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's realization that God shows no favoritism and accepts anyone from any nation who fears him and does what is right directly supports the 'no distinction' aspect of God's righteousness being available to all believers.
Isaiah 53:6This prophecy about the Suffering Servant, stating 'all we like sheep have gone astray,' illuminates the universal human condition of sin that necessitates a righteousness that transcends any group's supposed superiority.
Romans 11:32Paul’s statement that God has consigned all to disobedience, so that he may have mercy on all, reinforces the idea that all humanity, regardless of background, is brought under the umbrella of needing mercy and is equally eligible for God's offer of righteousness.
Philippians 3:9Paul's desire to be found in Christ, not having a righteousness of his own that comes from the law but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith, directly parallels the theme of God's righteousness coming through faith, not self-effort.
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" isn't just a repetition for emphasis; it highlights the dual nature of God's righteousness: it is offered to everyone ("unto all") but only becomes effective when it is received and applied to individuals ("upon all who believe"). This shows that while the provision is universal, the appropriation is personal.
Paul has just established that all people, both Jew and Gentile, have fallen short of God's glory and are therefore under sin's condemnation. He's explained that God's righteousness has been revealed in Christ, not through the Law, but through faith. Now, he clarifies that this divine righteousness is available to everyone who believes, breaking down any perceived barriers between people.
Paul has just established that all people, both Jew and Gentile, have fallen short of God's glory and are therefore under sin's condemnation. He's explained that God's righteousness has been revealed in Christ, not through the Law, but through faith. Now, he clarifies that this divine righteousness is available to everyone who believes, breaking down any perceived barriers between people.
"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 phrase "unto all and upon all" isn't just a repetition for emphasis; it highlights the dual nature of God's righteousness: it is offered to everyone ("unto all") but only becomes effective when…
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Last reviewed October 2026
