Romans 3:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 3:31
31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Chapter Context
Romans 3 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, righteousness, faith. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 3:31
31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Analysis
Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. Paul addresses a final objection: does justification by faith nullify (katargoumen, καταργοῦμεν, "make void/abolish") the law? Mē genoito (μὴ γένοιτο, "God forbid/may it never be!")—Paul's emphatic rejection. Rather, nomon histanomen (νόμον ἱστάνομεν, "we establish the law").
How does faith establish law?
- Faith acknowledges law's verdict of universal guilt, driving us to Christ.
- Faith receives the righteousness law demands but cannot produce.
- Faith produces obedience law requires but works-righteousness cannot achieve (Romans 8:4).
- Faith fulfills law's purpose—pointing to Christ (Galatians 3:24).
Far from abolishing law, the gospel establishes law's true function and fulfills its purpose. Jesus came not to abolish but fulfill (Matthew 5:17). Only the gospel honors both law's authority and humanity's inability.
Historical Context
This charge plagued Paul: that his gospel undermined Torah, making him a false teacher and antinomian. Paul will spend Romans 4 showing faith establishes law by demonstrating Abraham's justification by faith preceded and grounded the giving of Torah. The law is not enemy but schoolmaster leading to Christ (Galatians 3:24).
Reflection
- How does faith in Christ's work actually uphold the law rather than undermine it?
- What is the proper role and function of God's law in the life of one justified by faith?
- How do you avoid both legalism (trusting law-keeping for justification) and antinomianism (dismissing law's authority in sanctification)?
Word Studies
- Faith: πίστις (Pistis) G4102 - Faith, belief, trust
Cross-References
- Faith: Romans 10:4
- Word: Romans 8:4, Matthew 5:17, 1 Corinthians 9:21, Galatians 2:19, 2:21