Romans 6:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 6:15
15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
Chapter Context
Romans 6 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, sacrifice, righteousness. 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 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 6:15
15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
Analysis
What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid—ti oun? hamartēsōmen hoti ouk esmen hypo nomon alla hypo charin? mē genoito (τί οὖν; ἁμαρτήσωμεν ὅτι οὐκ ἐσμὲν ὑπὸ νόμον ἀλλὰ ὑπὸ χάριν; μὴ γένοιτο). Paul anticipates a second antinomian objection, similar to v. 1 but focused specifically on freedom from law. The aorist subjunctive hamartēsōmen (ἁμαρτήσωμεν, shall we sin?) might suggest isolated acts rather than habitual lifestyle (v. 1's present tense implied continuous sinning). Either way, Paul's answer is the same emphatic negation: mē genoito (μὴ γένοιτο, "God forbid, may it never be!").
The objection reveals misunderstanding: if law-restraint is removed, won't sin increase? Paul's answer (vv. 16-23) shows that freedom from law doesn't mean moral autonomy but slavery transfer: from serving sin to serving righteousness. The question itself is absurd for those who understand grace: grace isn't merely forgiveness but transforming power. Those truly under grace cannot blithely continue in sin because grace changes the heart, producing love for God and hatred of sin. Freedom from law's condemnation brings Spirit-empowered freedom from sin's domination.
Historical Context
Paul likely faced this accusation regularly (Romans 3:8 confirms critics misrepresented his teaching). The charge that grace promotes licentiousness has persisted throughout church history, often arising when the gospel is preached clearly. Jewish critics saw Paul's law-free gospel as undermining moral foundations. The tension between law and grace was central to first-century Jewish-Christian debate. Paul navigates carefully: affirming law's goodness while declaring its inability to produce righteousness, and proclaiming grace's power not only to forgive but to transform.
Reflection
- How would you explain to someone who claims 'freedom from law leads to lawlessness' that grace actually produces holiness?
- In what areas might you be tempted to presume on grace—treating it as license rather than transforming power?
- What evidence in your life demonstrates that you're 'under grace' and not under sin's dominion?
Word Studies
- Law: νόμος (Nomos) G3551 - Law
Cross-References
- References God: 2 Corinthians 7:1
- Grace: Jude 1:4