1. Romans 3:21 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Does the Old Testament also proclaim the gospel?

Romans 3:21 (ESV)

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it

Yes, it manifests throughout the history of God’s people. In fact, the promise of the coming Redeemer can only be understood through the Law and the Prophets. Now that the gospel is overflowing the world like a waterfall, it is crucial that we never forget that this waterfall rose out of the centuries-old witness of the holy Scriptures of Israel. The gospel was promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures (Romans 1:2) and Paul confirms that the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it. Romans 3:21 specifically highlights the fact that you can only become convinced of the truth of the worldwide gospel through the witnesses thereof, and the voices of those witnesses resound in the writings of Israel’s law and prophets.1