In this verse Paul directs himself to the human side; that is, he tells what men must do in order for God to put them into a right relationship with himself. The answer is faith: God does this to all who believe in Christ. The last part of the verse serves as a transition to the following verse.

Though the first sentence of verse 22 seems to be somewhat of a summary of what is indicated at the end of verse 21, it would be wrong to translate in such a way as to imply that the first clause of verse 22 is quotation from the Law and the prophets.

Through their faith in Jesus Christ is an expression of means, but in some languages this is normally communicated by a clause of cause—for example, “because they believe in Jesus Christ” or “since they trust Jesus Christ.” If, however, a more specific indication of means can be employed, this should be done—for example, “by their trusting Jesus Christ” or “by means of their faith in Jesus Christ.”

The expression there is no difference at all may require some expansion—for example, “there are no different ways in which God puts men right with himself.” These words may also be taken as a reference to what follows, that is, to the lack of difference between Jews and Gentiles, since they are all sinners. In this case one may translate: “There is no difference at all between the Jews and the Gentiles. (23) All men have sinned….”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1973. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .