Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ to all and on all them that believe: for there is no difference:
which is.
Romans 4:3-13,20-22 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness…
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
unto all.
Romans 4:6,11,22 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, …
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.
Galatians 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
and upon.
Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Matthew 22:11,12 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: …
Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
for there.
Romans 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Acts 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
comes through faith in Jesus Christ
Faith in Jesus Christ is the means by which this righteousness is received. This reflects the core Christian doctrine of justification by faith, as seen in Habakkuk 2:4, "the righteous will live by his faith," which Paul also cites in Romans 1:17. The historical context of the early church shows a shift from the works of the Law to faith in Christ as the basis for righteousness, a radical departure from Jewish tradition.
to all who believe
This phrase underscores the universality of the gospel message. It is inclusive, extending beyond the Jewish people to Gentiles, fulfilling the promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him (Genesis 12:3). The early church, as seen in Acts, grappled with this inclusivity, leading to the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15, which affirmed that Gentile believers were not required to follow the Jewish Law.
There is no distinction
Paul emphasizes that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile in terms of access to God’s righteousness. This reflects the breaking down of barriers, as seen in Ephesians 2:14-16, where Christ is described as having broken down the dividing wall of hostility. Historically, this was a significant shift in the early church, challenging deeply held cultural and religious divisions.
- Paul has just declared that “the righteousness of God has been revealed apart from the law” (Romans 3:21).
- The phrase points to a right standing that originates entirely with God, not from human effort (cf. Isaiah 61:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
- Because God is holy and just, only He can supply the righteousness He requires; any self-made righteousness falls short (Romans 3:10–12).
- Faith is the open hand that receives what God freely provides (Ephesians 2:8–9).
- It is trust, reliance, dependence—never merit (Galatians 2:16; Romans 4:3–5).
- By design, faith excludes boasting and magnifies grace (Romans 3:27).
- The object of saving faith is a Person, not a creed or ritual (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
- Jesus’ sinless life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection fulfill every demand of righteousness (Romans 8:3–4; 1 Peter 3:18).
- To believe “in Jesus Christ” is to transfer trust from self to Him alone (Galatians 3:22).
- The offer is genuinely universal: anyone, anywhere, who believes receives this righteousness (John 3:16; Acts 16:31).
- God’s saving provision is abundant, not limited to a select few (Titus 2:11; Romans 10:11–13).
- The only prerequisite is faith; no cultural, social, or religious pedigree is required (Isaiah 55:1).
- Jew and Gentile alike share the same need and the same solution (Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:28).
- The ground is level at the foot of the cross, dismantling every barrier of ethnicity, status, or history (Colossians 3:11).
- God’s way of salvation unites believers into one family where favoritism has no place (Ephesians 2:14–18).
Romans 3:22 proclaims that God graciously provides His own righteousness, received solely by faith in Jesus Christ, and offered equally to every person without distinction. Our works could never earn it; Christ has fully accomplished it, and simple trust in Him secures it for all who believe.
(22) A further definition of the nature of the righteousness so given to the Christian by God; it is a righteousness that has its root in faith, and is coextensive with faith, being present in every believer.By faith of Jesus Christ--i.e., by faith which has Christ for its object, "faith in Christ." "Faith" in St. Paul's writings implies an intense attachment and devotion. It has an intellectual basis, necessarily involving a belief in the existence, and in certain attributes, of the Person for whom it is entertained; but it is moral in its operation, a recasting of the whole emotional nature in accordance with this belief, together with a consequent change in character and practice. (See Excursus B: On the Meaning of the word Faith.)
And upon all.--These words are wanting in the best MSS., and should be omitted.
For there is no difference.--The righteousness that God gives is given to all that believe, without any distinction of Jew or Gentile; for all equally need it, and it is free equally to all.
Verse 22. - Even the righteousness of God through faith of Jesus Christ unto all (and upon all is added in the Textus Receptus, but ill supported) them that believe: for there is no distinction. We observe that the expression here used is not ἡ διὰ πίστεως but simply διὰ πίστεως. Thus διὰ πίστεως does not naturally connect itself with δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ as defining it, but rather with εἰς πάντας which follows, and perhaps with reference to the πεφανέρωται of ver. 21 understood. The idea, then, may be still that of God's own righteousness, manifested in Christ, unto or towards all believers, who through faith apprehended it and became sharers in it. When St. Paul elsewhere speaks of the believer's imputed righteousness, his language is different, so as to make his meaning plain. Thus Romans 4:6, ῷ ὁ Θεὸς λογίζεται δικαιοσύνην δικαιοσύνης πίστεως; Romans 5:17, τῆς δωρεᾶς τῆς δικαιοσύνης; Romans 9:30δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐκ πίτσεως; Philippians 3:9, τὴν ἐκ Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην ἐπὶ τῇ πίστει. What we contend for is simply this - that the phrase δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ means God's own righteousness, which, manifested in the atoning Christ, embraces believers, so that to them too righteousness may be imputed (Romans 4:11).