What is significant about Paul's phrase 'but now' in Romans 3:21?
Paul's 'but now' in Romans 3:21 signals a great transition: God is no longer dealing only with the Jew. On the basis of the finished work of the cross, He now deals with Gentiles. As Ephesians 2:13 echoes, Gentiles once far off are made nigh by the blood.
Les teaches that Paul's 'but now' in Romans 3:21 marks a dramatic change. The ancient world was steeped in idolatry and paganism, with no knowledge of the one true God—without God. But now, God is not saying He is only dealing with the Jew. Instead, on the basis of the finished work of the cross, He is dealing with Gentiles. The same phrase appears in Ephesians 2:13: 'But now in Christ Jesus, you Gentiles, who were at one time far off...' were made nigh by the blood. This rests on two premises: without faith it is impossible to please God, and without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. The only way to deal with old Adam is on those two premises: faith and the shed blood.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
More Questions
What does 'but now' mean in Romans 3:21 for Gentiles?
The 'but now' in Romans 3:21 signals a change: God is no longer dealing only with the Jew but, on the basis of the finished work of the cross, is now dealing with us Gentiles.
What does 'but now' mean in Romans 3:21 after Paul says no one is justified by the law?
The phrase 'but now' in Romans 3:21 signals the flip side: although the law could not bring salvation, there is something else that does bring salvation.
What does Paul mean by the righteousness of God without the law in Romans 3:21?
In Romans 3:21, Paul is saying that the righteousness of God without the law is manifested and is witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, and this does not contradict the rest of Scripture.
How is the righteousness of God revealed according to Romans 3:21-22?
The righteousness of God is revealed without the law, witnessed by the law and the prophets, and it comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.