What does it mean that the righteousness of God is without the law?
The righteousness of God without the Law means salvation is not attained by keeping the Ten Commandments, which only reveal sin. Righteousness is manifested apart from law and has no part in salvation, though the Law and prophets witness to it. It cannot be earned by human works or pride.
Les explains that the Law, including the Ten Commandments, is perfect and beautiful, but it can only give the knowledge or understanding of sin, because sin is breaking the Ten Commandments. No flesh is justified by the Law. But then verse 21 introduces something totally different: the righteousness of God without the Law. Les emphasizes that the Law is left out and has no part in salvation. This righteousness is manifested apart from law, yet it is witnessed by the Law and the prophets. Paul was not coming as an imposter with a false or watered-down religion; he came with the truth of the Gospel, which the world hates because people want to work for salvation and take pride in their accomplishments, while God hates pride. Everything builds on what came before—the Law and the prophets, the life of Christ—and all of it brings us to His death, burial, and resurrection.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
More Questions
What does it mean that righteousness is witnessed by the Law and the prophets?
The phrase "witnessed by the Law and the prophets" means Paul's gospel was not a new, self-concocted false religion, as the Corinthians accused him of being an imposter.