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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Romans 3:25 - 3:25
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Set forth (proetheto). Second aorist middle indicative. See note on Rom 1:13 for this word. Also in Eph 1:9, but nowhere else in N.T. God set before himself (purposed) and did it publicly before (pro) the whole world.
A propitiation (hilastērion). The only other N.T. example of this word is in Heb 9:5 where we have the “cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat” (to hilastērion). In Hebrews the adjective is used as a substantive or as “the propitiatory place” But that idea does not suit here. Deissmann (Bible Studies, pp. 124-35) has produced examples from inscriptions where it is used as an adjective and as meaning “a votive offering” or “propitiatory gift.” Hence he concludes about Rom 3:25 : “The crucified Christ is the votive gift of the Divine Love for the salvation of men.” God gave his Son as the means of propitiation (1Jo 2:2). Hilastērion is an adjective (hilastērios) from hilaskomai, to make propitiation (Heb 2:17) and is kin in meaning to hilasmos, propitiation (1Jo 2:2; 1Jo 4:10). There is no longer room for doubting its meaning in Rom 3:25.
Through faith, by his blood (dia pisteōs en tōi autou haimati). So probably, connecting en toi haimati (in his blood) with proetheto.
To show his righteousness (eis endeixin tēs dikaiosunēs autou). See note on 2Co 8:24. “For showing of his righteousness,” the God-kind of righteousness. God could not let sin go as if a mere slip. God demanded the atonement and provided it.
Because of the passing over (dia tēn paresin). Late word from pariēmi, to let go, to relax. In Dionysius Hal., Xenophon, papyri (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 266) for remission of punishment, especially for debt, as distinct from aphesis (remission).
Done aforetime (progegonotōn). Second perfect active genitive participle of proginomai. The sins before the coming of Christ (Act 14:16; Act 17:30; Heb 9:15).
Forbearance (anochēi). Holding back of God as in Rom 2:4. In this sense Christ tasted death for every man (Heb 2:9).