 |
|
     |
|
|
|
The phrase "righteousness of God" in Romans 1:17 has been the subject of considerable dispute in recent years, with many abandoning a standard Protestant interpretation of the passage (i.e., that the righteousness of God refers to the righteousness that God gives) in favor of a more redemptive-historical understanding (righteousness as God's faithfulness to Israel, or as His commitment to restoring good order in His creation).
One important, perhaps decisive, consideration has to do with Paul's use of the word "gospel." It is clear at the beginning of Romans 1 that "gospel" refers to the announcement or recital of the events of Jesus' incarnation, death, and resurrection. It seems reasonable that he is using gospel in the same redemptive-historical sense in verse 17: the work of Jesus in history is the "good news," and this is good news of God's righteousness because through these events God demonstrates His righteousness. The redemptive-historical understanding of "righteousness of God" thus seems to be implied by the fact that Paul says this righteousness is revealed in "the gospel."
posted by Peter J. Leithart on Monday, November 01, 2004 at 05:39 PM
Permission is given to use material on this site, provided the source is cited, blog entries are republished in full, and the author is notified in advance.
1 & 2 Kings
Brazos Theological Commentary
The Promise Of His Appearing: An Exposition Of Second Peter
A Great Mystery: Fourteen Wedding Sermons
Deep Comedy: Trinity, Tragedy, And Hope In Western Literature
Miniatures & Morals: The Christian Novels of Jane Austen
The Priesthood of the Plebs: A Theology of Baptism
A Son To Me: An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel
From Silence to Song: The Davidic Liturgical Revolution
Ascent to Love: A Guide to Dante's Divine Comedy
Blessed Are the Hungry: Meditations on the Lord's Supper
A House For My Name: A Survey of the Old Testament
Heroes of the City of Man: A Christian Guide to Select Ancient Literature
Brightest Heaven of Invention: A Christian Guide To Six Shakespeare Plays
Wise Words: Family Stories That Bring the Proverbs to Life
The Kingdom and the Power: Rediscovering the Centrality of the Church
