What does Romans 10:3 mean?

Explanation

Romans 10:3 delves into the tension between human efforts at establishing righteousness and the divine righteousness offered by God.

The verse criticizes those who are "ignorant" or unaware of the righteousness that comes from God and thus try to create their own standard of righteousness.

This self-established righteousness is based on their works or adherence to the law.

By doing so, they have not "submitted" to God's righteousness, which is seen as being through faith in Jesus Christ.

The deeper meaning here suggests that true righteousness cannot be achieved through human effort alone, but requires acceptance of the grace offered by God through Christ.

Historical Context

The Book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 57 to the church in Rome. The historical context of Romans 10:3 is the tension that existed between Jewish and Gentile believers in Jesus.

Many Jewish Christians still held on to the aspects of the Law of Moses and believed in the establishment of righteousness through adherence to this law. Paul contends that righteousness cannot be attained through the law but through faith in Christ.

The verse addresses the Jewish misunderstanding of how one attains righteousness in the sight of God.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Romans 10:3 presents the concept of imputed righteousness versus earned righteousness.

Imputed righteousness is the Christian doctrine that God's righteousness is attributed to the believer through faith in Jesus Christ.

On the contrary, earned righteousness is the idea that one can become righteous by following the Law or good works.

Different theological perspectives interpret this distinction variously.

The Reformation tradition, particularly in Lutheranism and Calvinism, emphasizes salvation by grace through faith alone (sola fide), in contrast to the Catholic view that faith and works together play a role in salvation.

Practical Applications

Applying this teaching, individuals are encouraged to rely not on their deeds or moral achievements but on the sacrifice of Jesus for salvation and righteousness.

Practically, this reorients the believer's mindset from a self-focused attempt to earn favor before God to a Christ-centered trust in God's provision.

This fosters humility and dependency on God's grace rather than pride in one's accomplishments.

Cross-References

• Romans 9:31-32: "But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.

Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law.

For they stumbled at that stumblingstone."

• Galatians 2:16: "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
• Philippians 3:9: "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith."

Language Study

The key terms from the original Greek language in Romans 10:3 include:

• "ignorant" (ἀγνοέω, agnoeō): To not know, often with the implication of being without recognition or acknowledgment.
• "righteousness" (δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosynē): In a legal sense, the state approved by God, justice, moral rectitude.
• "establish" (στήσωσιν, stēsōsin): To cause to stand, to set up, or establish.
• "submitted" (ὑπέταξαν, hypetaxan): To arrange under, to subordinate, to subject, put in subjection.
• "righteousness of God" often refers to the divine nature or order, as well as the righteousness that comes from God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of ancient myths and religious systems, many stressed the importance of human effort in achieving a form of righteousness, often linked with the favor of the gods or spiritual fulfilment.

The idea of righteousness being granted apart from human merit was relatively novel and set Judaism and Christianity apart from these systems.

Scientific Perspectives

While Romans 10:3 does not directly engage with scientific topics, it touches on psychological aspects of human behavior, such as the tendency to seek self-justification.

Modern psychology might explore the human inclination towards self-righteous behavior and its social and mental health implications.

However, any discussion of "righteousness" in the biblical sense operates in a theological and moral framework rather than a scientific one.

Commentaries

Commentators offer varying insights on Romans 10:3:

• John Stott suggests that a self-righteous attitude can blind individuals to accepting God's provision of righteousness through Christ.
• F.F.

Bruce focuses on the contrast between the external observance of the Law and the internal faith in Christ.

• N.T.

Wright discusses the historical plight of Israel seeking righteousness through the law without recognizing Christ as the completion of the Law.

• Douglas Moo emphasizes the distinction between human achievement and divine gift, underscoring human dependence on God for righteousness.