And this righteousness from GodThis phrase emphasizes that righteousness is a divine attribute and gift, not something humans can achieve on their own. In the context of Romans, Paul is addressing both Jews and Gentiles, highlighting that righteousness is not based on the Law or ethnic heritage but is a gift from God. This aligns with Old Testament teachings, such as in
Isaiah 45:24-25, where righteousness is associated with God’s deliverance.
comes through faith in Jesus Christ
Faith in Jesus Christ is the means by which this righteousness is received. This reflects the core Christian doctrine of justification by faith, as seen inHabakkuk 2:4, "the righteous will live by his faith," which Paul also cites inRomans 1:17. The historical context of the early church shows a shift from the works of the Law to faith in Christ as the basis for righteousness, a radical departure from Jewish tradition.
to all who believe
This phrase underscores the universality of the gospel message. It is inclusive, extending beyond the Jewish people to Gentiles, fulfilling the promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him (Genesis 12:3). The early church, as seen in Acts, grappled with this inclusivity, leading to the Council of Jerusalem inActs 15, which affirmed that Gentile believers were not required to follow the Jewish Law.
There is no distinction
Paul emphasizes that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile in terms of access to God’s righteousness. This reflects the breaking down of barriers, as seen inEphesians 2:14-16, where Christ is described as having broken down the dividing wall of hostility. Historically, this was a significant shift in the early church, challenging deeply held cultural and religious divisions.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.
2.
Jesus ChristCentral to the Christian faith, Jesus is the Son of God whose life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of salvation.
3.
The Roman ChurchThe recipients of Paul's letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.
4.
GodThe source of righteousness, God is portrayed as just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus.
5.
FaithA key concept in Christian theology, faith is the means by which believers receive righteousness from God.
Teaching Points
Righteousness from GodUnderstand that righteousness is a gift from God, not something we can achieve on our own. It is granted through faith in Jesus Christ.
Faith as the KeyEmphasize the importance of faith in Jesus as the means to receive God's righteousness. Faith is not just intellectual assent but a trust and reliance on Christ.
Unity in ChristRecognize that in Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile, or any other division. All believers are equal recipients of God's grace.
Living by FaithEncourage believers to live out their faith daily, trusting in God's promises and allowing His righteousness to transform their lives.
Evangelism and InclusivityUse this understanding of righteousness to reach out to others, sharing the message that salvation is available to all who believe, without distinction.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Romans 3:22?
2.How does Romans 3:22 emphasize faith in Jesus for righteousness?
3.What does "faith in Jesus Christ" mean for daily Christian living?
4.How does Romans 3:22 connect with Ephesians 2:8-9 on salvation?
5.Why is "no distinction" significant for understanding God's offer of salvation?
6.How can we share the message of Romans 3:22 with non-believers?
7.What does "faith in Jesus Christ" mean in Romans 3:22?
8.How does Romans 3:22 address the concept of righteousness?
9.Why is faith emphasized over works in Romans 3:22?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 3?
11.What is the Universal Life Church?
12.Why do you justify yourself before others?
13.What will happen to the righteous and the wicked?
14.How can faith in Christ lead to righteousness and salvation?What Does Romans 3:22 Mean
And this righteousness from God- Paul has just declared that “the righteousness of God has been revealed apart from the law” (Romans 3:21).
- The phrase points to a right standing that originates entirely with God, not from human effort (cf.Isaiah 61:10;2 Corinthians 5:21).
- Because God is holy and just, only He can supply the righteousness He requires; any self-made righteousness falls short (Romans 3:10–12).
comes through faith- Faith is the open hand that receives what God freely provides (Ephesians 2:8–9).
- It is trust, reliance, dependence—never merit (Galatians 2:16;Romans 4:3–5).
- By design, faith excludes boasting and magnifies grace (Romans 3:27).
in Jesus Christ- The object of saving faith is a Person, not a creed or ritual (John 14:6;Acts 4:12).
- Jesus’ sinless life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection fulfill every demand of righteousness (Romans 8:3–4;1 Peter 3:18).
- To believe “in Jesus Christ” is to transfer trust from self to Him alone (Galatians 3:22).
to all who believe- The offer is genuinely universal: anyone, anywhere, who believes receives this righteousness (John 3:16;Acts 16:31).
- God’s saving provision is abundant, not limited to a select few (Titus 2:11;Romans 10:11–13).
- The only prerequisite is faith; no cultural, social, or religious pedigree is required (Isaiah 55:1).
There is no distinction- Jew and Gentile alike share the same need and the same solution (Romans 3:23;Galatians 3:28).
- The ground is level at the foot of the cross, dismantling every barrier of ethnicity, status, or history (Colossians 3:11).
- God’s way of salvation unites believers into one family where favoritism has no place (Ephesians 2:14–18).
summaryRomans 3:22 proclaims that God graciously provides His own righteousness, received solely by faith in Jesus Christ, and offered equally to every person without distinction. Our works could never earn it; Christ has fully accomplished it, and simple trust in Him secures it for all who believe.
(22) A further definition of the nature of the righteousness so given to the Christian by God; it is a righteousness that has its root in faith, and is coextensive with faith, being present in every believer.
By faith of Jesus Christ--i.e., by faith which has Christ for its object, "faithin Christ." "Faith" in St. Paul's writings implies an intense attachment and devotion. It has an intellectual basis, necessarily involving a belief in the existence, and in certain attributes, of the Person for whom it is entertained; but it is moral in its operation, a recasting of the whole emotional nature in accordance with this belief, together with a consequent change in character and practice. (SeeExcursus B: On the Meaning of the word Faith.)
And upon all.--These words are wanting in the best MSS., and should be omitted.
For there is no difference.--The righteousness that God gives is given toall that believe, without any distinction of Jew or Gentile; for all equally need it, and it is free equally to all.
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 Θεοῦ as defining it, but rather with
εἰς πάντας which follows, and perhaps with reference to the
πεφανέρωται of ver. 21 understood. The idea, then, may be still that of God's own righteousness, manifested in Christ,
unto or
towards all believers, who through faith apprehended it and became sharers in it. When St. Paul elsewhere speaks of the believer's
imputed righteousness, his language is different, so as to make his meaning plain. Thus
Romans 4:6,
ῷ ὁ Θεὸς λογίζεται δικαιοσύνηνδικαιοσύνης πίστεως; Romans
5:17,
τῆς δωρεᾶς τῆςδικαιοσύνης; Romans
9:30
δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐκ πίτσεως;
Philippians 3:9,
τὴν ἐκ Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνηνἐπὶ τῇ πίστει. What we contend for is simply this - that the phrase
δικαιοσύνηΘεοῦ means God's own righteousness, which, manifested in the atoning Christ, embraces believers, so that to them too righteousness may be imputed (
Romans 4:11).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Andδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.[this] righteousnessδικαιοσύνη(dikaiosynē)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1343:From dikaios; equity; specially justification.[from] GodΘεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.[comes] throughδιὰ(dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.faithπίστεως(pisteōs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102:Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.in JesusἸησοῦ(Iēsou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.ChristΧριστοῦ(Christou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547:Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.toεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.allπάντας(pantas)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.whoτοὺς(tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.believe.πιστεύοντας(pisteuontas)Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4100:From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.There isἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.noοὐ(ou)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.distinction,διαστολή(diastolē)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1293:Distinction, difference, separation. From diastellomai; a variation.
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NT Letters: Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God through faith (Rom. Ro)