Paul's concept of righteousness in Romans 3: 21-31 /
Delia Annaway Ayabo.
- 83 leaves; 28 cm.
A thesis submitted to the faculty of St. Andrew's Theological Seminary In partial fulfillment for the degree of Master in Divinity
Thesis (M.Div.)-- Quezon City, Philippines
This paper "Paul's concept of righteousness in Romans 3:21-31" is an attempt to study Paul's thought and theology through multiple perspectives and draws out its main theological line of thought that emerges. We will see that Paul understands salvation in ways fully compatible with the Old Testament and the story of Jesus. First, it deals with the biblical concept of righteousness by reviewing and analyzing some the important aspects of righteousness from the Old Testament faith and witness. This helps us understand Paul's arguments on the relationship of the Jewish concept of righteousness in terms of their obedience to the Torah and the righteousness in terms of faith in Jesus Christ as fitting for both Jews and Gentiles. It presents theological facts on why Paul has rejected and condemned the Judaizer's teachings different from his gospel of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles alike. Second, it examines the Righteousness of God in terms of the faithfulness of Jesus and faith in Jesus with reference to Romans 3:21-31. In the process, it explains the reason why "faith in Jesus" is the best way forward in understanding Paul's theology of "Rigteousness." Third, it focuses on Paul's doctrine of justification in all its essentials by utilizing his major arguments from his epistle to the Romans against Jewish Judaizers and Gentile moralizers that faith in Jesus stands supreme.