What does it mean that the righteousness of God is manifested without the Law?
The righteousness of God is now manifested apart from the Law, meaning it is brought into the spotlight as God's own righteousness, not something earned by doing the deeds of the Law. It is witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, showing grace rests on prior revelation while no part of salvation comes from Law.
Les explains that Romans 3:21 speaks of the righteousness of God without the Law being manifested, or brought into the spotlight, becoming the very epitome of everything. This follows verse 20, where by the deeds of the Law no flesh shall be justified, because the Law brings nothing but the knowledge of sin. Yet this righteousness is witnessed by the Law and the prophets. Les teaches that the Bible is a progressive revelation: the Law of Moses came, then the prophets with their teachings concerning the coming King and Kingdom. Though that falls through the cracks and God temporarily turns to the Gentiles and calls out the Church, grace still rests on the Law and the prophets because they came before. In grace there is no Law, and nothing that is part of salvation comes from the Law.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
More Questions
Did Paul invent the message of righteousness without the Law?
The righteousness without the Law was not invented by Paul; it was witnessed by the Law and the prophets in the Old Testament.