Romans 1:17

📖 Romans 1:17 (NKJV)

“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’”

🔍 Exegetical Commentary

1. Context within Romans Chapter 1

Romans chapter 1 [i] sets the stage for Paul’s theological masterpiece. After introducing himself and his mission to preach the gospel, Paul declares the gospel as “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Verse 17 then explains why the gospel is powerful: it reveals the righteousness of God.

This righteousness is not merely a divine attribute but a gift from God that puts sinners in right standing with Him. Paul contrasts this righteousness with the wrath of God revealed against ungodliness and unrighteousness (Romans 1:18), showing that salvation is not earned but received through faith.

2. Key Phrase: “Righteousness of God”

This phrase refers to the righteousness that God provides to sinners through Jesus Christ. It is not our own moral performance but Christ’s perfect obedience and sacrificial death that is credited to us. This is the doctrine of justification by faith alone—a cornerstone of Christianity.

This righteousness is not that which resides in God, but that which He bestows on us. It is imputed, not infused. We are declared righteous, not made righteous by our own efforts.

3. “From Faith to Faith”

This phrase has sparked much discussion. It means that the entire Christian life—from beginning to end—is lived by faith. Faith is not a one-time event but an ongoing trust in God’s promises. It begins with saving faith and continues through sanctifying faith.

“The just shall live by trust,” meaning that faith is the defining mark of the righteous. Faith is both the means by which we receive righteousness and the way we live it out.

4. “The Just Shall Live by Faith”

Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 [ii] to show that this principle is not new. Even under the Old Covenant, righteousness came through faith. This quote affirms that justification is by faith alone, not by works. It also implies that true faith leads to a life of obedience—not as a condition for salvation, but as its fruit.

In modern Christian living, this means believers are called to trust God daily, especially in trials. Faith is not passive; it is active reliance on God’s grace. It shapes our decisions, our relationships, and our worship.

✨ Application for Today

Trust over performance: Christians are not accepted by God because of good behaviour but because of Christ’s righteousness. This frees us from guilt and striving.
Faith as lifestyle: Faith is not just for conversion—it is for every moment. We live by trusting God’s promises, not by our own strength.
Gospel-centred identity: Our identity is rooted in being justified by faith. This gives us confidence, humility, and purpose.

[i] Romans 1

New King James Version

Greeting

1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, (A)called to be an apostle, (B)separated to the gospel of God 2 (C)which He promised before (D)through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who [a]was (E)born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and (F)declared to be the Son of God with power according (G)to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. 5 Through Him (H)we have received grace and apostleship for (I)obedience to the faith among all nations (J)for His name, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, (K)called to be saints:

(L)Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Desire to Visit Rome

8 First, (M)I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that (N)your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For (O)God is my witness, (P)whom I serve [b]with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that (Q)without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11 For I long to see you, that (R)I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by (S)the mutual faith both of you and me.

13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but (T)was hindered until now), that I might have some (U)fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. 14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

The Just Live by Faith

16 For (V)I am not ashamed of the gospel [c]of Christ, for (W)it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, (X)for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For (Y)in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, (Z)“The just shall live by faith.”

God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness

18 (AA)For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and (AB)unrighteousness of men, who [d]suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because (AC)what may be known of God is [e]manifest [f]in them, for (AD)God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world (AE)His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and [g]Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but (AF)became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 (AG)Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the (AH)incorruptible (AI)God into an image made like [h]corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 (AJ)Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, (AK)to dishonor their bodies (AL)among themselves, 25 who exchanged (AM)the truth of God (AN)for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to (AO)vile passions. For even their [i]women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the [j]men, leaving the natural use of the [k]woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things (AP)which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, [l]sexual immorality, wickedness, [m]covetousness, [n]maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 [o]undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, [p]unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, (AQ)knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things (AR)are deserving of death, not only do the same but also (AS)approve of those who practice them.

Footnotes

Romans 1:3 came

Romans 1:9 Or in

Romans 1:16 NU omits of Christ

Romans 1:18 hold down

Romans 1:19 evident

Romans 1:19 among

Romans 1:20 divine nature, deity

Romans 1:23 perishable

Romans 1:26 Lit. females

Romans 1:27 Lit. males

Romans 1:27 Lit. female