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McGrath notes that Augustine interpreted the genitive in the phrase "righteousness of God" in Rom 1 objectively, so that it was understood as the righteousness that God gives in saving sinners (in "making" them righteous). Ambrosiaster, as I pointed out in an earliet post, interpreted the genitive subjectively - the righteousness is God's own faithfulness to His promises. As McGrath points out, these were so far from being seen as incompatible interpretations that "it is not uncommon to find both interpretations within the same work." On this combined interpretation, God fulfills His promise (thus displaying His own righteousness) by giving righteousness to sinners (or, more broadly, by acting to establish righteousness in the creation).
How does it happen that these interpretations now get polarized? Perhaps it's the fault of those defending the objective interpretation - Paul is referring to God's own righteousness and not to the gift of righteousness. Or perhaps it's from the side of those who see the objective interpretation as a threat to traditional Protestant doctrine. Whatever the case, there is no grounds in logic, or in history, to see these as mutually exclusive alternatives.
posted by Peter J. Leithart on Thursday, April 20, 2006 at 01:02 PM
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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
