Why does Paul say 'but now' in Romans 3:21?
The ascended Lord revealed to Paul that the finished work of the cross did something for the human race that man could not do. Therefore, 'but now' marks the manifestation of God's righteousness apart from the law, spotlighted by the Law and the Prophets.
Les explains that in Romans 3:21 the phrase 'but now' is tied to the ascended Lord revealing to Paul that the finished work of the cross did something for the human race that man cannot do. Verse 21 says the righteousness of God without the law is manifested—put in the spotlight. Les notes this manifestation is by the Law and the Prophets, the Old Testament. He stresses that stressing Paul does not mean ignoring the Gospels or the Old Testament; the whole book is taken from cover to cover, but one must begin with basics. He also cites 1 Corinthians 3:9-10, where Paul says believers are laborers together with God, God's husbandry and building, and Paul as a wise master builder laid the foundation. If Paul's writings were not true, he would be a liar and impostor, but he is not.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
How does Romans 3:21 relate to verse 20?
Romans 3:21 marks a contrast with verse 20: verse 20 speaks of deeds of the law, while verse 21 announces that the righteousness of God is now manifested without the law, being witnessed by the law and prophets. This "but now" shows God's righteousness apart from law-keeping.
Are we still under the Judaic law system after Romans 3:21?
No. Romans 3:21 marks a change: the righteousness of God is now revealed without the Law. The Judaic system of Law, which could only condemn and had no power to save, is no longer the basis. Believers are no longer under that system but under something totally different.
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.
More Questions
What does 'but now' in Romans 3:21 mean?
In Romans 3:21, Paul's phrase 'but now' signals that although the law could not save anyone, something else that can bring salvation is now introduced.
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.