Romans 3:25

Set forth (proeqeto). Second aorist middle indicative. See on John 1:13 for this word. Also in Ephesians 1:9 , but nowhere else in N.T. God set before himself (purposed) and did it publicly before (pro) the whole world. A propitiation (ilasthrion). The only other N.T. example of this word is in Hebrews 9:5 where we have the "cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat" (to ilasthrion). 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 Romans 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 ( 1 John 2:2 ). Hilasthrion is an adjective (ilasthrio) from ilaskomai, to make propitiation ( Hebrews 2:17 ) and is kin in meaning to ilasmo, propitiation ( 1 John 2:2 ; 1 John 4:10 ). There is no longer room for doubting its meaning in Romans 3:25 . Through faith, by his blood (dia pistew en twi autou aimati). So probably, connecting en toi aimati (in his blood) with proeqeto. To show his righteousness (ei endeixin th dikaiosunh autou). See 2 Corinthians 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 thn paresin). Late word from parihmi, 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 apesi (remission). Done aforetime (progegonotwn). Second perfect active genitive participle of proginomai. The sins before the coming of Christ ( Acts 14:16 ; Acts 17:30 ; Hebrews 9:15 ). Forbearance (anoch). Holding back of God as in Romans 2:4 . In this sense Christ tasted death for every man ( Hebrews 2:9 ).