What does Romans 9:30 mean?

Explanation

Romans 9:30 speaks to the unexpected reality that Gentiles, who were not traditionally seen as pursuers of righteousness according to Jewish law, have attained a form of righteousness through faith.

The verse contrasts the Gentiles' attainment with the Jews', who had the law and actively pursued a law-based righteousness.

The deeper meaning here touches on the central Christian tenet that righteousness before God is not achieved by works or adherence to the law, but is granted through faith in Jesus Christ.

This was a pivotal teaching of the Apostle Paul, who wrote Romans, emphasizing that salvation is universally accessible and not confined to any ethnic or religious group.

Historical Context

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Romans in the first century AD, a time when there was significant tension between Jews and Gentiles.

Jews followed the Mosaic Law and often viewed Gentiles, or non-Jews, as outsiders to the covenants of Israel.

The early Christian message, however, extended the promise of salvation to all people, regardless of their background.

This created a theological conundrum for Jewish Christians, who struggled with the notion that Gentiles could be considered righteous without adhering to Jewish laws.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse reveals key aspects of Pauline doctrine:

• Sola Fide: The doctrine of justification by faith alone is central to Paul's teaching and Protestant theology.

This verse reinforces the idea that it is not works or ethnic heritage, but faith in Christ that makes one righteous.

• Universalism of Salvation: This passage is also an important basis for the belief that salvation is offered to all humanity, not just to a specific group.
• Righteousness of God: In Paul's theology, the 'righteousness of God' is a theme that describes God's faithfulness to His promises and His saving action in Jesus Christ for all who believe.

Practical Applications

Romans 9:30 encourages individuals to approach God with humility, recognizing that righteousness is not something one can earn.

It advocates for inclusivity and equality, highlighting that faith is what matters, and thus dissuades believers from being judgmental towards others who may not share their background or practices.

Cross-References

• Romans 3:22 - "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference."
• Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
• Galatians 3:28 - "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "righteousness" is δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosunē), implying a state of being just or right.

The phrase "which followed not after" translates from προσέτρεξαν (prosetrexan) meaning "they did not pursue" or "run after," indicating an absence of the active pursuit of the law.

The term for "faith" is πίστεως (pisteōs), which signifies belief, trust, or confidence in something, particularly in God's promise.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions, righteousness was often associated with strict adherence to religious laws or rituals.

In contrast, Pauline Christianity comes with the revolutionary idea that righteousness is based on faith. This can be compared to some strands of Buddhism which emphasize inner faith and personal enlightenment over rigorous adherence to religious laws or practices.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific community does not typically address issues of faith and righteousness as they fall outside the empirically-based scope of science.

However, the concept of universalism in salvation aligns with modern understandings of human equality and the universal capacities for belief and cultural practices across different populations.

Commentaries

Different scholars have commented on Romans 9:30, providing various insights:

• John Stott emphasizes the scandalous nature of the Gentiles' obtaining righteousness without seeking it in the way Jews expected.
• N.T.

Wright discusses the verse in the context of God's covenantal faithfulness and the redefinition of God's people through faith in Christ.

• Douglas Moo highlights the theme of God's sovereign and surprising ways in calling people to Him, regardless of their ethnic background or previous religious affiliation.