“Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”
Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law. The rhetorical question posed by the Gentile missions critical perspective suggests that faith undermines the law's authority. Paul's answer is unequivocal: We establish (histēmi) the law through faith. Faith does not abolish the law but fulfills its true purpose—not as a means of justification through works but as a revelation of God's righteous will. Through faith in Christ, the law's demands are satisfied and its voice is vindicated.
Church Fathers on Romans 3:31
“Do we then,” he says, “make void the Law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the Law.” Do you see his varied and unspeakable judgment? For the bare use of the word “establish” shows that it was not then standing, but was worn out (καταλελυμένον). And note also Paul's exceeding power, and how superabundantly he maintains what he wishes. For here he shows that the faith, so far from doing any disparagement to the “Law,” even assists it, as it on the other hand paved…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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