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Romans 3 · a question people ask

"being testified by the law and the prophets" (3:21). Which passages does it mean?

In the text

The verse doesn't name any, and these notes don't supply one. Near its opening the letter speaks of the Good News of God, "which he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures" (1:2), and names no passage there either. The words of praise at the end of chapter 14 speak of the mystery made known "by the Scriptures of the prophets" (14:25), and name none there.

The verses

“But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets;”
Romans 3:21 · World English Bible
“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God, which he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,”
Romans 1:1-2 · World English Bible
“Now to him who is able to establish you according to my Good News and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages, but now is revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations;”
Romans 14:24-25 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Romans 3

Romans 3: Freely, by his grace

Romans 3 asks about nullify twice: "Will their lack of faith nullify the faithfulness of God?" (3:3), and "Do we then nullify the law through faith?" (3:31). Both times the answer is "May it never be!" (3:4, 3:31). And between them, after "all have sinned" (3:23), comes "being justified freely by his grace" (3:24).

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Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions