Bible Commentaries

The apostle ever had in mind the Master Himself when he spoke of the righteousness of God. The idea of that righteousness, held by Israel was due to their misunderstanding of the written law, their ignorance of its true meaning, because they had not known Christ. Paul knew perfectly well that nothing so soon compels a man to cease seeking to establish his own righteousness as a vision of the righteousness of God. On the way to Damascus he was going about establishing his own righteousness; but a vision of the righteousness of God at once brought him to the position of submission to it.

The apostle then discussed the way of righteousness according to the plan of God in contrast with the attempt that Israel was making to establish its own righteousness. The great statement is made in the words, "Christ is the end of the law unto righteousness to every one that believeth."

A series of questions reveals the importance of the work of preaching the Gospel. There can be no calling on One not believed in; there can be no belief in One not heard of; there can be no hearing without a preacher.

From among the number of those who heard the glad tidings published by the missionary messengers, only some were elect. They were such as not only heard, but hearkened and believed. The last quotation from Isaiah defines exactly the divine attitude- hands spread out continuously toward a rebellious people. The will of God is the salvation of all such, and He has elected to salvation those who believe.