Many Jews Ignored the Righteousness from God and Sought Their Own through the Law (Romans 9:30-10:21)

"Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God on behalf of my fellow Israelites is for their salvation. For I can testify that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not in line with the truth. For ignoring the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking instead to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law, with the result that there is righteousness for everyone who believes." Romans 10:1-4 (NET)

Context

Thus far, Paul’s argument has taken the following shape:

• He begins by explaining the gospel: God’s righteousness is for all who believe, both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 1-8).
• Then, he turns to the question on the minds of many readers: “Does this gospel mean that God has been unfaithful to his promises to the nation of Israel, as recorded in Scripture?” (Romans 9:1-6)
• Paul uses several Old Testament examples to prove that God has NOT been unfaithful. In fact, the Old Testament itself testifies that God’s people have always been a remnant chosen by mercy (rather than every biological descendent of Abraham) (Romans 9:6-29).
• In today’s reading, Paul considers the reason why many Jews “missed” the righteousness which comes from God—because they ignored it in favour of seeking to establish their own (Romans 9:30-10:21).
• In tomorrow’s reading, Paul will define the remnant of Israel (the ones who received God’s righteousness) as made up of Jews and Gentiles, chosen by grace and saved by mercy (11:1-36).

Observation

In Romans 9:30-10:21, Paul contrasts two kinds of righteousness: the righteousness from God and the righteousness earned through works of the law. This is what he says:

The righteousness from God:

• Is obtained by faith (Romans 9:30)
• Must be submitted to (Romans 10:3)
• Is the end of the law for everyone who believes (Romans 10:4)
• Is based on faith, and the confession that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:6-13)

The righteousness earned through works of the law:

• Is based on zeal for God that is not in line with truth (Romans 10:2)
• Is considered a person’s own righteousness (Romans 10:3)
• Does not submit to God’s righteousness (Romans 10:3)
• Can only result in life if a person perfectly obeys the whole law, all of the time (Romans 10:5)

Paul also cites several Old Testament passages predicting Israel would reject (and other nations would accept) God’s way of salvation:

• Isaiah’s prophecy of a stone that would arise in Israel. Some would stumble over it in offense; others would turn to it in trust (Isaiah 28:14-16 and 8:14-15).
• Moses predicted that God would use foreigners to make Israel jealous (Deuteronomy 32:19-21).
• Isaiah also said people who had not originally sought God would find Him, but His covenant people were contrary and obstinate (Isaiah 65:1-2).

Interpretation

As you read today’s passage, think about why Paul’s readers might have preferred to establish their own righteousness through the Law, rather than submit to God’s. What would it cost them to submit to the righteousness that comes from God? What would they gain?

In Paul’s view, the Old Testament had clearly predicted that many Israelites would reject God’s path to righteousness.

• Jesus was the stone in Isaiah, over which many had stumbled;
• Isaiah had also foreseen God’s welcome of Gentiles, though they had not formerly known Him nor worshipped Him; and
• Moses recorded God’s desire for His acceptance of Gentiles to move many Jews to overcome their initial offense at the gospel and turn to Jesus.

How do you think Paul’s Jewish readers might have felt as they read this passage? How about his Gentile readers? How does it equip them to address the conflict between them?

Application

Do you have any reasons for preferring to earn your righteousness, rather than receive it as a gift from God? What are they?

How could daily submitting to God’s righteousness impact the relationships in which you experience conflict?