Peter said that Paul was sometimes difficult to understand. I think that's because Paul used shorthand to describe things, expecting the context to explain things.
For example, when Paul mentioned "faith," he often meant "saving faith," or "faith in Christ," and relied on the context for his readers to understand that. Paul was not saying there aren't other kinds of faith, such as belief in a God or belief in God's Law.
Paul mentioned in Romans 3 that none are righteous under the Law. He expected his readers to understand that he was speaking of righteousness that leads to salvation, or to eternal life, and not discounting the fact men could be righteous under the Law.
Paul perfectly well knew and explained that those who kept the Law properly were righteous. He was speaking only of the righteousness that could lead to eternal life. That either came by perfection or by Christ. Obviously, since the Fall, righteousness leading to salvation only comes by Christ. So righteousness under the Law, lacking Christ, does not work for anyone.
Context is important, therefore, when reading Paul. You have to know when he is using shorthand. Otherwise, you will draw all kinds of false conclusions. For example, you may falsely conclude that he is teaching the Law was worthless, or that nobody can do anything good. He never taught those things. What he taught has to be understood *in context!*
For example, when Paul mentioned "faith," he often meant "saving faith," or "faith in Christ," and relied on the context for his readers to understand that. Paul was not saying there aren't other kinds of faith, such as belief in a God or belief in God's Law.
Paul mentioned in Romans 3 that none are righteous under the Law. He expected his readers to understand that he was speaking of righteousness that leads to salvation, or to eternal life, and not discounting the fact men could be righteous under the Law.
Paul perfectly well knew and explained that those who kept the Law properly were righteous. He was speaking only of the righteousness that could lead to eternal life. That either came by perfection or by Christ. Obviously, since the Fall, righteousness leading to salvation only comes by Christ. So righteousness under the Law, lacking Christ, does not work for anyone.
Context is important, therefore, when reading Paul. You have to know when he is using shorthand. Otherwise, you will draw all kinds of false conclusions. For example, you may falsely conclude that he is teaching the Law was worthless, or that nobody can do anything good. He never taught those things. What he taught has to be understood *in context!*