Romans 9:32

King James Version (KJV)

Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

Wherefore? - And where lies their mistake? Being ignorant of God's righteousness - of his method of saving sinners by faith in Christ, they went about to establish their own righteousness - their own method of obtaining everlasting salvation. They attend not to the Abrahamic covenant, which stands on the extensive principles of grace and faith; but they turn all their regards to the law of Moses. They imagine that their obedience to that law gives them a right to the blessings of the Messiah's kingdom. But, finding that the Gospel sets our special interest in God and the privileges of his Church on a different footing, they are offended, and refuse to come into it.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

The Gentiles knew not their guilt and misery, therefore were not careful to procure a remedy. Yet they attained to righteousness by faith. Not by becoming proselytes to the Jewish religion, and submitting to the ceremonial law; but by embracing Christ, and believing in him, and submitting to the gospel. The Jews talked much of justification and holiness, and seemed very ambitious to be the favourites of God. They sought, but not in the right way, not in the humbling way, not in the appointed way. Not by faith, not by embracing Christ, depending upon Christ, and submitting to the gospel. They expected justification by observing the precepts and ceremonies of the law of Moses. The unbelieving Jews had a fair offer of righteousness, life, and salvation, made them upon gospel terms, which they did not like, and would not accept. Have we sought to know how we may be justified before God, seeking that blessing in the way here pointed out, by faith in Christ, as the Lord our Righteousness? Then we shall not be ashamed in that awful day, when all refuges of lies shall be swept away, and the Divine wrath shall overflow every hiding-place but that which God hath prepared in his own Son.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

32. Wherefore? Or, “why?”

Because. The first part of the answer reads literally, “because not of faith, but as of works of law.” Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the omission of the phrase “of law.” The KJV supplies the words “they sought it,” which seem to give Paul’s sense correctly.

As it were by the works. Literally, “as if it were by works.” By this qualifying phrase Paul indicates that it was the opinion of the Jews that righteousness could be obtained in this way. They thought they could become righteous by works, whereas actually they were attempting the impossible (see chs. 2:25 to 3:20). Righteousness is attainable only by faith (ch. 3:21, 22).

They stumbled. Gr. proskoptÅÂ. This verb means, literally, “to strike against” (Matt. 4:6; Luke 4:11), hence, “to stumble” (John 11:9, 10), and metaphorically “to take offense at,” “to show irritation at” (Peter 2:8). Christ came to bring righteousness to all who would accept it by faith. But the Jews, who were seeking it in another way, took offense at Him and at His message. So deep seated was their erroneous belief that righteousness could be obtained by works, that it led them openly to oppose the Saviour and finally even to murder Him. If Paul is using the verb in its more literal sense of “to stumble,” these verses give a picture of the Jews earnestly pursuing after the goal of righteousness, but stumbling over the very One who had come to help them reach it.

That stumblingstone. Literally, “the stone of stumbling.” The offense was, of course, not in the stone but in the attitude of those to whom it became a cause of stumbling. “Christ crucified” was a “stumblingblock” to the Jews, but the “power” and “wisdom of God” to those who are called (1 Cor. 1:23, 24). He is a stumbling stone to those who are faithless and disobedient, but precious to those who believe (1 Peter 2:7, 8).

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Ellen G. White
Faith and Works, 95.3

While we are to be in harmony with God's law, we are not saved by the works of the law, yet we cannot be saved without obedience. The law is the standard by which character is measured. But we cannot possibly keep the commandments of God without the regenerating grace of Christ. Jesus alone can cleanse us from all sin. He does not save us by law, neither will He save us in disobedience to law. FW 95.3

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