Was the righteousness without the Law witnessed in the Old Testament before it came?
Yes. Scripture states the righteousness of God without the Law is manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets. The Old Testament testified to it beforehand. It was not a watered-down or newly concocted message, but the truth of the Gospel that builds on what came before and points to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
Les explains that verse 21 introduces the righteousness of God without the Law. The Law, though perfect, only gives the knowledge of sin. This righteousness is manifested and was witnessed by the Law and the prophets—all the Old Testament before it. Paul was not an imposter with a false religion or a watered-down product; he brought the truth of the Gospel. Les notes everything builds on what came before, and the Law, the prophets, and the life of Christ all bring 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 without the Law is witnessed by the Law and the prophets?
This righteousness without the Law is not something new or self-invented, because it was witnessed beforehand by the Law and the prophets.
How can righteousness apart from the law be witnessed by the Law and the Prophets?
The righteousness of God in Romans 3:21 is witnessed by the Law and the Prophets because nothing in Scripture contradicts itself; it all fits in God's overall plan.