Romans 5:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 5:11
11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Chapter Context
Romans 5 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of hope, faith, love. 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:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 5:11
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
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ—Paul returns to καυχώμεθα (kauchōmetha, 'we boast/rejoice/exult'), now with God Himself as the object. The progression is striking: we boast in hope of glory (v.2), in tribulations (v.3), and supremely in God. This is the ultimate reversal of human pride: our boasting is not in ourselves but in the God who justifies the ungodly (4:5).
By whom we have now received the atonement (δι' οὗ νῦν τὴν καταλλαγὴν ἐλάβομεν)—the aorist ἐλάβομεν indicates definite past reception. KJV's 'atonement' translates καταλλαγή (katallagē), better rendered 'reconciliation' (as in v.10). The word doesn't appear in Greek OT sacrificial texts; Paul uses it for the restored relationship, not merely ritual covering. The temporal νῦν (nyn, 'now') emphasizes present possession—reconciliation is current reality, not future hope.
Historical Context
The concept of 'boasting in God' echoes Jeremiah 9:23-24 (LXX), which Paul quotes in 1 Corinthians 1:31 and 2 Corinthians 10:17—'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.' This was countercultural in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts: Jews boasted in law-keeping and covenant status (2:17-23), Greeks in wisdom and eloquence (1 Corinthians 1:22-23). Paul insists the only legitimate boasting is in what God has done through Christ, excluding all self-congratulation.
Reflection
- What is the difference between 'joy in God' and joy in religious experiences, spiritual gifts, or Christian service?
- How can you tell whether your 'boasting' is genuinely in God's work through Christ or subtly in your own spiritual achievements?
- What does receiving reconciliation 'now' teach about assurance versus waiting until death to know your standing with God?
Word Studies
- Atonement: καταλλαγή (Katallage) G2643 - Reconciliation, atonement
Cross-References
- References God: Romans 5:10, Psalms 43:4, Isaiah 61:10, Galatians 4:9
- References Lord: 1 Samuel 2:1, Psalms 104:34, Philippians 4:4
- Parallel theme: Psalms 149:2, 1 Peter 1:8