What does Romans 1:17 mean?

Explanation

Romans 1:17 is a foundational verse for the Christian understanding of salvation and righteousness.

The verse suggests that God's righteousness is something that is revealed to humanity, and this revelation happens through faith.

The phrase "from faith to faith" implies a progression or a way in which faith leads to deeper faith or is built upon itself. It underscores the idea that faith is both the beginning and the way through which righteousness is revealed and experienced.

The latter part of the verse, "as it is written, The just shall live by faith," cites the Old Testament (Habakkuk 2:4).

This stresses the continuity of God's plan through both Old and New Testaments and sets the stage for the concept that it is not through the law or works that one is justified, but through faith alone.

The "just" (or "righteous") living by faith means that their life is characterized by a trust and reliance on God's promises and character rather than their own efforts to achieve righteousness.

Historical Context

Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 56-58 to the church in Rome, which consisted of both Jewish and Gentile believers.

The Roman church was dealing with issues of integration between these two groups and the implications of the new faith in Christ for the Jewish law.

Paul's letter is a comprehensive presentation of the gospel and the doctrine of salvation by faith, which challenged both Jewish reliance on the law and pagan religious practices.

During this period, many Jews were expecting a Messiah who would establish righteousness through a strict adherence to the Mosaic Law.

Paul instead emphasizes that true righteousness comes from faith in Christ.

This message was radical and presented a significant shift from the established religious norms of the time.

Theological Insights

The theological implications of Romans 1:17 are significant.

This verse undergirds the Protestant Reformation doctrine of "sola fide" (faith alone), which Martin Luther rallied around. This teaching holds that humans are justified by faith in Christ's atoning work on the cross, not by any works of the law.

From a Reformed perspective, this verse emphasizes God’s sovereignty in the process of salvation and the doctrine of imputed righteousness, where Christ's righteousness is credited to the believer through faith.

In contrast, the Catholic Church teaches the necessity of faith for salvation, but also the importance of works as a response to and a completion of faith.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life by encouraging individuals to rely on faith in God’s promises rather than their personal efforts to earn God’s favor.

It suggests a sense of assurance for the believer, clarity in the purpose of faith, and a focus on a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. It can be used to combat feelings of inadequacy or legalism, reminding believers that their right standing with God is secure through faith.

Cross-References

• Habakkuk 2:4: "Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith."
• Galatians 3:11: "But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith."
• Hebrews 10:38: "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him."
• Ephesians 2:8: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"

Language Study

The key phrase "the righteousness of God" (δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ in Greek) contains the word "δικαιοσύνη" which can be translated as "righteousness" or "justice." This term embodies a state of being right or justified and is often used in legal contexts to describe acquittal.

"The just shall live by faith" includes the Greek word "πίστεως" (pistis) meaning "faith" or "belief." It's not merely intellectual assent but encapsulates a firm conviction and trust.

"Revealed" comes from "ἀποκαλύπτεται" (apokalyptetai), which means "to unveil" or "disclose,” suggesting that God’s righteousness is made known in a way that was previously hidden or not fully understood.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a divine being imparting righteousness to humanity differs significantly from other ancient myths, where gods often demand that humans achieve virtue or righteousness through their actions or moral excellence.

In Greco-Roman mythology, the gods did not typically endow humans with righteousness; instead, virtue was cultivated through philosophy and acts.

In comparison, Jewish tradition emphasizes adherence to the Law (Torah) for righteousness, while Christianity marks a shift in focus towards faith in Christ's finished work on the cross as the basis for righteousness.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings do not directly intersect with concepts of faith and righteousness, as these are metaphysical ideas that lie outside the purview of the scientific method.

However, psychology and neuroscience may study the effects of faith and belief on human behavior and mental health, acknowledging the impact of spiritual beliefs on individual well-being.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer different interpretations of Romans 1:17.

Martin Luther saw this verse as liberating, leading to his doctrine of salvation by faith alone.

John Calvin emphasized it in the context of God’s sovereign choice in salvation and the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to the believer.

Contemporary theologian N.T. Wright approaches this verse within the framework of the covenant and God's faithfulness to his promises, suggesting that the righteousness of God includes God's loyalty to the covenant with Israel, now extended to all through faith in Christ.

Counter to these, some modern scholars might interpret this verse as a call to a faith that expresses itself in justice and the transformation of society, marrying faith with social action.