AI Commentary: Romans 5

Verse-by-verse analysis and insights from the Authorized King James Version (KJV)

Note: This AI-powered commentary is generated based on historical, theological, and scholarly sources. It's designed to assist your study but should not replace personal reflection and traditional commentaries.

Chapter Overview

Romans 5 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, faith, hope. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.

The chapter can be divided into several sections:

  1. Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
  2. Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
  3. Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
  4. Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application

This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.

Verse 1
🔗 📖
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Analysis - Verse 1

This verse develops the faith and obedience theme central to Romans. The concept of faith reflects the development of faith and obedience within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within systematic theological exposition of the gospel to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 1

The literary and historical milieu of Hellenistic epistolary literature with sophisticated theological argumentation shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of faith and obedience within the theological tradition of Romans Understanding a worldview shaped by both Jewish monotheism and Greco-Roman philosophical thought helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes faith in this particular way.

Study Questions - Verse 1

  1. How does the faith and obedience theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
  2. In what ways does this verse's emphasis on faith address the relationship between faith and works in salvation, and how should the church respond?
  3. What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of faith and obedience, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
Verse 2
🔗 📖
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Analysis - Verse 2

This verse develops the faith and obedience theme central to Romans. The concept of grace reflects the development of faith and obedience within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within systematic theological exposition of the gospel to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 2

This passage must be understood within the cosmopolitan capital of the Roman Empire with diverse populations. The author writes to address a mixed congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers in the imperial capital, making the emphasis on faith and obedience particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Study Questions - Verse 2

  1. What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of faith and obedience, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
  2. What practical applications emerge from understanding faith and obedience as presented in this verse, particularly in light of challenging cultural relativism with objective truth claims?
  3. In what ways does understanding grace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about faith and obedience?
Verse 3
🔗 📖
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

Analysis - Verse 3

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Romans. The concept of glory reflects justification by faith as the foundation of Christian hope. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to systematic theological exposition of the gospel, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 3

The literary and historical milieu of Hellenistic epistolary literature with sophisticated theological argumentation shapes this text's meaning. Paul's systematic presentation built upon centuries of Jewish understanding about righteousness and divine justice Understanding a worldview shaped by both Jewish monotheism and Greco-Roman philosophical thought helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes glory in this particular way.

Study Questions - Verse 3

  1. How might the original audience's understanding of glory differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
  2. What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
  3. What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
Verse 4
🔗 📖
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

Analysis - Verse 4

Within the broader context of Romans, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of hope connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about hope, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Romans.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 4

The historical context of the early imperial period under Nero (c. 57 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Roman Empire at its height, with sophisticated legal systems, diverse religious practices, and increasing Christian presence in major urban centers shaped Paul's theological arguments. The Greco-Roman urban culture with diverse religious and philosophical influences would have shaped how the original audience understood hope. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Inscriptions from Corinth and Rome reveal the social dynamics and religious pluralism that shaped early Christian communities.

Study Questions - Verse 4

  1. How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
  2. What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
  3. In what ways does this verse's emphasis on hope address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
Verse 5
🔗 📖
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Analysis - Verse 5

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Romans. The concept of love reflects justification by faith as the foundation of Christian hope. The divine name or title here functions within systematic theological exposition of the gospel to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 5

The literary and historical milieu of Hellenistic epistolary literature with sophisticated theological argumentation shapes this text's meaning. Paul's systematic presentation built upon centuries of Jewish understanding about righteousness and divine justice Understanding a worldview shaped by both Jewish monotheism and Greco-Roman philosophical thought helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Study Questions - Verse 5

  1. How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
  2. What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
  3. In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
Verse 6
🔗 📖
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Analysis - Verse 6

Within the broader context of Romans, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Romans.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 6

The literary and historical milieu of Hellenistic epistolary literature with sophisticated theological argumentation shapes this text's meaning. Paul's systematic presentation built upon centuries of Jewish understanding about righteousness and divine justice Understanding a worldview shaped by both Jewish monotheism and Greco-Roman philosophical thought helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Study Questions - Verse 6

  1. How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
  2. How does this verse's literary context within Romans chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
  3. How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
Verse 7
🔗 📖
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

Analysis - Verse 7

Within the broader context of Romans, this passage highlights judgment and justice through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Romans.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 7

This passage must be understood within the cosmopolitan capital of the Roman Empire with diverse populations. The author writes to address a mixed congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers in the imperial capital, making the emphasis on judgment and justice particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Study Questions - Verse 7

  1. How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
  2. How does this verse's literary context within Romans chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
  3. How does the judgment and justice theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
Verse 8
🔗 📖
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Analysis - Verse 8

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 8

This passage must be understood within the cosmopolitan capital of the Roman Empire with diverse populations. The author writes to address a mixed congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers in the imperial capital, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Study Questions - Verse 8

  1. What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
  2. How might the original audience's understanding of love differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
  3. What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
Verse 9
🔗 📖
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Analysis - Verse 9

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Romans. The concept of divine revelation reflects justification by faith as the foundation of Christian hope. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to systematic theological exposition of the gospel, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 9

This passage must be understood within the cosmopolitan capital of the Roman Empire with diverse populations. The author writes to address a mixed congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers in the imperial capital, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Study Questions - Verse 9

  1. How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
  2. How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
  3. How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
Verse 10
🔗 📖
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Analysis - Verse 10

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Romans. The concept of life reflects justification by faith as the foundation of Christian hope. The divine name or title here functions within systematic theological exposition of the gospel to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 10

The literary and historical milieu of Hellenistic epistolary literature with sophisticated theological argumentation shapes this text's meaning. Paul's systematic presentation built upon centuries of Jewish understanding about righteousness and divine justice Understanding a worldview shaped by both Jewish monotheism and Greco-Roman philosophical thought helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes life in this particular way.

Study Questions - Verse 10

  1. How does this verse's literary context within Romans chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
  2. In what ways does understanding life in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
  3. In what ways does this verse's emphasis on life address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
Verse 11
🔗 📖
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Analysis - Verse 11

Within the broader context of Romans, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Romans.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 11

The literary and historical milieu of Hellenistic epistolary literature with sophisticated theological argumentation shapes this text's meaning. Paul's systematic presentation built upon centuries of Jewish understanding about righteousness and divine justice Understanding a worldview shaped by both Jewish monotheism and Greco-Roman philosophical thought helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Study Questions - Verse 11

  1. How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
  2. How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
  3. What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
Verse 12
🔗 📖
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Analysis - Verse 12

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Romans. The concept of divine revelation reflects justification by faith as the foundation of Christian hope. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to systematic theological exposition of the gospel, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 12

The literary and historical milieu of Hellenistic epistolary literature with sophisticated theological argumentation shapes this text's meaning. Paul's systematic presentation built upon centuries of Jewish understanding about righteousness and divine justice Understanding a worldview shaped by both Jewish monotheism and Greco-Roman philosophical thought helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Study Questions - Verse 12

  1. In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
  2. How does this verse's literary context within Romans chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
  3. In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
Verse 13
🔗 📖
(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Analysis - Verse 13

Within the broader context of Romans, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Romans.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 13

The historical context of the early imperial period under Nero (c. 57 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Roman Empire at its height, with sophisticated legal systems, diverse religious practices, and increasing Christian presence in major urban centers shaped Paul's theological arguments. The Greco-Roman urban culture with diverse religious and philosophical influences would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Inscriptions from Corinth and Rome reveal the social dynamics and religious pluralism that shaped early Christian communities.

Study Questions - Verse 13

  1. In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
  2. How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
  3. How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
Verse 14
🔗 📖
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

Analysis - Verse 14

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Romans. The concept of divine revelation reflects justification by faith as the foundation of Christian hope. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to systematic theological exposition of the gospel, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 14

This passage must be understood within the cosmopolitan capital of the Roman Empire with diverse populations. The author writes to address a mixed congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers in the imperial capital, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Study Questions - Verse 14

  1. What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
  2. In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
  3. In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
Verse 15
🔗 📖
But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

Analysis - Verse 15

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Romans. The concept of grace reflects justification by faith as the foundation of Christian hope. The divine name or title here functions within systematic theological exposition of the gospel to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes charis in Greek or hen in Hebrew, emphasizing unmerited divine favor, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 15

The historical context of the early imperial period under Nero (c. 57 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Roman Empire at its height, with sophisticated legal systems, diverse religious practices, and increasing Christian presence in major urban centers shaped Paul's theological arguments. The Greco-Roman urban culture with diverse religious and philosophical influences would have shaped how the original audience understood grace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Inscriptions from Corinth and Rome reveal the social dynamics and religious pluralism that shaped early Christian communities.

Study Questions - Verse 15

  1. How might the original audience's understanding of grace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
  2. In what ways does this verse's emphasis on grace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
  3. What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
Verse 16
🔗 📖
And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

Analysis - Verse 16

This verse develops the judgment and justice theme central to Romans. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of judgment and justice within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to systematic theological exposition of the gospel, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 16

The literary and historical milieu of Hellenistic epistolary literature with sophisticated theological argumentation shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of judgment and justice within the theological tradition of Romans Understanding a worldview shaped by both Jewish monotheism and Greco-Roman philosophical thought helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Study Questions - Verse 16

  1. How does the judgment and justice theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
  2. What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of judgment and justice, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
  3. How does this verse's literary context within Romans chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
Verse 17
🔗 📖
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Analysis - Verse 17

This verse develops the judgment and justice theme central to Romans. The concept of grace reflects the development of judgment and justice within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of systematic theological exposition of the gospel, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes charis in Greek or hen in Hebrew, emphasizing unmerited divine favor, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 17

This passage must be understood within the cosmopolitan capital of the Roman Empire with diverse populations. The author writes to address a mixed congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers in the imperial capital, making the emphasis on judgment and justice particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Study Questions - Verse 17

  1. What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of judgment and justice, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
  2. What practical applications emerge from understanding judgment and justice as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
  3. How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
Verse 18
🔗 📖
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Analysis - Verse 18

This verse develops the judgment and justice theme central to Romans. The concept of righteousness reflects the development of judgment and justice within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to systematic theological exposition of the gospel, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 18

This passage must be understood within the cosmopolitan capital of the Roman Empire with diverse populations. The author writes to address a mixed congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers in the imperial capital, making the emphasis on judgment and justice particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Study Questions - Verse 18

  1. In what ways does this verse's emphasis on righteousness address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
  2. In what ways does understanding righteousness in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about judgment and justice?
  3. How might the original audience's understanding of righteousness differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
Verse 19
🔗 📖
For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Analysis - Verse 19

The judgment and justice theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 19

The historical context of the early imperial period under Nero (c. 57 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Roman Empire at its height, with sophisticated legal systems, diverse religious practices, and increasing Christian presence in major urban centers shaped Paul's theological arguments. The Greco-Roman urban culture with diverse religious and philosophical influences would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Study Questions - Verse 19

  1. How does this verse's literary context within Romans chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
  2. In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
  3. In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about judgment and justice?
Verse 20
🔗 📖
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

Analysis - Verse 20

Within the broader context of Romans, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of grace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about grace, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Romans.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 20

This passage must be understood within the cosmopolitan capital of the Roman Empire with diverse populations. The author writes to address a mixed congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers in the imperial capital, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Study Questions - Verse 20

  1. In what ways does understanding grace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
  2. In what ways does this verse's emphasis on grace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
  3. How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
Verse 21
🔗 📖
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Analysis - Verse 21

This verse develops the judgment and justice theme central to Romans. The concept of grace reflects the development of judgment and justice within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within systematic theological exposition of the gospel to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Cross References

Historical Context - Verse 21

The historical context of the early imperial period under Nero (c. 57 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Roman Empire at its height, with sophisticated legal systems, diverse religious practices, and increasing Christian presence in major urban centers shaped Paul's theological arguments. The Greco-Roman urban culture with diverse religious and philosophical influences would have shaped how the original audience understood grace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Study Questions - Verse 21

  1. How does this verse's literary context within Romans chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
  2. What practical applications emerge from understanding judgment and justice as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
  3. What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of judgment and justice, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
← Back to Romans 5
← Romans 4 Commentary Romans 6 Commentary →