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.
Les explains that verse 21 opens with "But now," directly contrasting verse 20, which dealt with "the deeds of the law." The righteousness of God is manifested without the law, yet is witnessed by the law and the prophets, showing Scripture's overall plan fits together. This righteousness is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all who believe, plus nothing. It also means there is no difference between Jew and Gentile, which caused Paul trouble with his Jewish people. Les notes that Israel had been set apart from the pagans after Egypt, making this no-difference message hard for them.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
More Questions
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.