Righteousness (Rom. 1:17)

Abstract This chapter presents an overview on different Reformation approaches to the question of divine and human righteousness. Romans commentaries by Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon, Martin Bucer, and Jean Calvin as well as Counter-Reformation approaches are examined. Paying attention to the exegesis of Rom. 1:17, the chapter argues that Luther and Melanchthon argued for a sharp differentiation between human and divine righteousness, whereas Bucer and Calvin opted for a more extensive view on justification. All Reformation theologians emerge as advocating a forensic, imputative understanding of at least parts of justification rather than the effective understanding found in Counter-Reformation texts. Overall, righteousness figured prominently in Reformation-time Romans commentaries.