Romans 8:4

The righteousness. Greek dikaidma. This is not the usual word for “righteousness,” which is dikaiosune, used often by Paul in this epistle (chs. 1:17; 3:5; 4:3; etc.).

Dikaidma expresses the thought of “that which is laid down as right” (see Rom. 1:32; 2:26; 5:16, 18; cf. Luke 1:6; Heb. 9:1, where dikaidma is translated “ordinances”). Hence Paul is here referring to the righteous demands of the law, obedience to its just requirements.

The law. The article is present also in the Greek (see on ch. 2:12). In this context Paul is still speaking of the law, of which he approved (ch. 7:16) and in which he delighted (v. 22) but which he found himself unable to obey apart from Christ (vs. 15-25).

Might be fulfilled. Or, “might be realized,” or “might be met.” God sent His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, so that men might be enabled fully to comply with the righteous requirements of His holy law. To bring man’s life into harmony with the divine will is the purpose of the plan of salvation. God did not give His Son in order to change or abolish His law, or to release men from the necessity of perfect obedience. The law has always stood as an expression of the unchangeable will and character of God. Fallen man has been unable to obey its requirements, and the law has possessed no power to strengthen him to obey. But now Christ has come to make it possible for man to render perfect obedience. These verses clearly indicate the continuing place and authority of the law of God in the gospel and the plan of salvation (see on ch. 3:31).

Paul does not say, “might be partially fulfilled.” The Bible consistently speaks of entire transformation, perfect obedience (see Matt. 5:48; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:12, 13; Col. 1:28; 4:12; 2 Tim. 3:17; Heb. 6:1; 13:21). God requires perfection of His children, and the perfect life of Christ in His humanity is God’s assurance to us that by His power we too may attain to perfection of character (see COL 315; AA 531).

Walk. Literally, “walk about,” implying habitual conduct. Hence, it may be translated “live” (see Rom. 6:4; 2 Cor. 5:7; 10:3; Eph. 2:10; 4:1).

Not after the flesh. That is, not according to the flesh. Those in whom the righteous requirement of the law is fulfilled, no longer live according to the dictates and impulses of the flesh. The gratification of carnal desires is no longer the guiding principle in their lives.

After the Spirit. That is, they regulate their conduct according to the dictates and guidance of the Spirit, the indwelling Spirit of Christ (v. 9). The just requirement of the law is being fulfilled in them. What the law requires is summed up in Christian love, for “love is the fulfilling of the law” (ch. 13:10). Likewise, the result of the working of the Holy Spirit in the life is love, for “the fruit of the Spirit is love” (Gal. 5:22).

Consequently, life according to the Spirit means a life in which the righteous demands of the law are fulfilled — a life of love and loving obedience. That such a life might be made possible for believers was the great purpose for which God sent His Son into the world.

Some commentators prefer to interpret this phrase as referring particularly to the renewed spirit of man, through which the Holy Spirit works. They understand Paul to be emphasizing that our lives are no longer ruled by our lower, but by our higher, spiritual natures. This interpretation is reflected in a number of versions by the spelling of “spirit” without a capital letter (see RV).