Why does Paul reference Moses in Romans 10:5? Moses in Romans 10:5—Paul’s Purpose, Meaning, and Implications Canonical Setting Romans, written c. A.D. 57, addresses Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome. In chapters 9–11 Paul explains Israel’s place in God’s redemptive plan. Romans 10 narrows to Israel’s present unbelief and the simplicity of the gospel. Verse 5 reads in the: “For concerning the righteousness that is by the Law, Moses writes: ‘The man who does these things will live by them.’” Immediate Context (Romans 10:1-4) 1 Paul’s heart for ethnic Israel—“my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation” (10:1). 2 Israel’s zeal without knowledge—ignorant of God’s righteousness (10:2-3). 3 Christ as the telos (goal/culmination) of the Law—“so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes” (10:4). Paul must contrast two kinds of righteousness—one grounded in perfect Law-keeping, the other in faith. To launch that contrast, he cites Moses. The Source Text: Leviticus 18:5 (LXX) “‘Keep My statutes and My judgments; the one who performs them will live by them. I am the LORD.’” In Greek (LXX) it ends: ho poiesas auta anthrōpos zēsetai en autois—exactly the form Paul uses. He thus claims Mosaic authority for the Law-based pathway to righteousness. Why Moses? Five Interlocking Reasons 1 Authoritative Witness Moses embodies the covenant. By citing him, Paul invokes the highest OT authority recognized by his Jewish interlocutors (cf. John 5:45-47). If Moses himself taught that life depends on flawless obedience, the Law cannot be selectively obeyed. 2 Textual Contrast Device Paul sets up an antithetical parallel: • Law: “Do and live” (10:5). • Faith: “Believe and confess” (10:6-13, citing Deuteronomy 30). The juxtaposition frames Christ as the only one who truly “did” the Law and thus supplies life to believers (Romans 8:3-4). 3 Continuity of Covenant History By quoting Moses and then Deuteronomy 30:12-14 (10:6-8), Paul shows that even the Torah anticipates a righteousness accessible by faith near “in your mouth and in your heart.” Salvation in Christ is not a theological novelty but the consummation of Mosaic expectation. 4 Exposing Israel’s Misreading First-century Judaism often interpreted Leviticus 18:5 as attainable through covenant membership plus ritual (cf. 4QMMT, m. Sanhedrin 10:1). Paul uses Moses to show that the Law’s own standard is absolute and, therefore, condemns rather than justifies (Galatians 3:10-12). 5 Christological Fulfillment Only Jesus embodies perfect obedience (John 8:29; Hebrews 4:15). By quoting Moses, Paul implicitly points to Christ as the only Israelite who actually “lived” by the Law, thereby becoming the life-giver (Romans 5:18-19). Theological Synthesis 1 Law exposes sin (Romans 7:7). 2 Perfect obedience is humanly impossible (Romans 3:23). 3 Christ fulfills the Law (Matthew 5:17; Romans 10:4). 4 Therefore, righteousness is gifted, not earned (Romans 3:21-24). Pastoral Application • Self-reliance is futile; Christ-reliance secures life. • Evangelism to religious moralists begins by letting Moses speak—showing the impossibility of earning righteousness and the necessity of grace. Conclusion Paul references Moses in Romans 10:5 to present the Law’s own demand for flawless obedience, thereby contrasting it with the gift of righteousness through faith in Christ. This move upholds Scriptural consistency, magnifies Christ’s fulfillment, and dismantles every works-based hope—all according to the voice of Moses himself. |
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