5:1–21 Paul turns from his discussion of justification by faith to address the reconciliation with God that results from such justification. He emphasizes God’s love for sinners, the atoning power of Christ’s death, and how Christ’s death ultimately leads to the restoration of the relationship that existed at creation between God, Adam, and the world.

Atonement

5:1 righteous by faith Paul has argued extensively that salvation comes only through faith (see note on Rom 3:22). He assumes that conclusion here, using it as the starting point to expound on the implications of being declared righteous by God.

Faith

peace Paul uses this word similarly to how it is used throughout the ot: to describe well-being, prosperity, safety from harm, and deliverance from enemies. This peace is more than just the absence of conflict; it is the result of having been declared righteous by faith (see Eph 2:14–17; Col 1:20). It also could refer to the believer’s subjective experience of peace with God.

5:2 this grace in which we stand Indicates not only a past event, but also a present reality made possible by the work of Christ on the cross.

we boast Refers to expressing trust in God to do what He promised. Paul uses a similar phrase to describe Abraham’s response of faith to God’s promise (Rom 4:20).

5:3 afflictions Refers to suffering on account of persecution (e.g., 1 Thess 1:6; 2 Thess 1:4). Some believers may have worried that such afflictions were a sign of God’s wrath; however, Paul challenges them to view suffering as a way to build character. See note on Rom 8:18.

5:5 disappoint The Greek word used here, kataischynō, comes from the ancient Greek translation of the ot (the Septuagint), where it means “to suffer shame [when judged]” (e.g., Pss 22:5; Isa 28:16; Rom 9:33).

has been poured out in our hearts The Greek verb used here, ekcheō, can be translated “to pour out” (Titus 3:6; Acts 2:17). Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, every believer experiences God’s love and therefore can have hope despite sufferings.

5:6 helpless Paul used similar language to describe the situation in which Abraham expressed faith in God (see Rom 4:20). Abraham recognized that his own body was “as good as dead”; Paul implies that believers were once in this same position.

the proper time Refers to the time that God appointed it should happen (compare Mark 1:15; Gal 4:4).

the ungodly This term encompasses those who do not have the law (Gentiles) and those who transgress the law (Jews). Paul states that God loves even those who do not deserve His love.

died The greatest demonstration of love (see John 15:13).

5:7 only rarely Paul asserts a general truth to highlight the extraordinary nature of Christ’s death on behalf of the ungodly.

5:8 Christ died for us The proof and revelation of God’s love for His people. Paul occasionally personalizes Christ’s death (e.g., Rom 8:32; Eph 5:2; Gal 2:20).

5:9 have been declared righteous See note on Rom 4:3.

by his blood Refers to Christ’s death, which put the ungodly in right relationship with God. Atonement through sacrifice required blood (compare Heb 9:22; note on Isa 52:15).

Atonement

will be saved In this context, the Greek verb used here, sōzō, probably refers to deliverance from final judgment. Christ has saved people from sin now so that they can begin to live in right relationship with Him, and He will save them in the future from judgment. See note on 1 Cor 1:18.

from the wrath See note on Rom 1:18.

5:10 enemies Paul probably has in mind both humanity’s sinful rebellion against God’s ways and God’s wrathful response to their sinful ways (see 1:18–2:11; 5:9; 8:7).

we were reconciled The Greek word used here, katallassō, describes bringing two hostile parties into friendly relations.

through the death of his Son The death of Christ was the means by which God and humanity were reconciled (compare Isa 53:10–12). Through Christ’s death, God pardoned the sinner and condemned the sin (Rom 8:3), thereby demonstrating His care and concern for sinful humanity.

by his life Refers to the resurrection life of the risen Christ. People are saved by their union with the risen Christ and His mediation on their behalf.

5:11 we are boasting See v. 2 and note.

reconciliation Indicates that Jesus has repaired the relationship between God and humankind (see 2 Cor 5:18 and note).

5:12–21 Paul describes what is true on a small scale to establish truth on a larger scale. This rhetorical device is called an argument a minori ad maius (Latin for “from the lesser to the greater”) or qal wa-chomer (Hebrew for “light to heavy”).

5:12 one man Refers to Adam (Gen 2:7; Rom 5:14). Paul identifies Adam as a representative of humanity whose actions affected all of humanity, bringing mortality and death to all humankind.

death Refers to the loss of immortality, which includes physical and spiritual death (Gen 3:22–24). Adam did not immediately die when he ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen 3:6–7); rather, his sin introduced mortality. This mortality, in Paul’s view, spread to the entire human race (see 1 Cor 15:21–22). According to Paul, death will be the final enemy defeated by God (1 Cor 15:26).

spread The Greek verb used here, dierchomai, connotes imputation or transmission. Adam’s death was transmitted to all of humanity. Therefore, all people need salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

because all sinned Although Paul describes Adam as a representative of humanity, he states that people’s own sin condemns them (Rom 3:23).

5:13 until the law Paul states that the law did not introduce sin into the world; rather, it identified the sin that Adam had introduced.

The Law in Paul’s Letters

5:14 death See note on v. 12.

a type The Greek word used here, typos, refers to Adam’s role as a representative for humanity. This sets a pattern for the one who is to come—Jesus Christ.

5:15–21 In this section, Paul compares Adam’s sin with God’s gift. In doing so, he praises God’s gift, which reverses the devastating effect of Adam’s sin.

5:15 the gift Refers to the work of Christ—His sacrificial death, which puts believers in right relationship with God.

the trespass Refers to Adam’s disobedience, which resulted in death (see v. 12 and note; Gen 3:7).

trespass of the one, the many died Many died in the sense that they experienced the results of sin (death; see note on Rom 5:12). For Paul, Adam and Christ serve as representative heads over two groups of people. Paul emphasizes that Adam’s trespass brought death to all who belong to him. By contrast, those who belong to Christ receive the free gift of grace.

multiply Indicates God’s generous provision, despite the gravity and implications of sin.

5:16 justification See note on Rom 3:24.

5:17 one man Refers to Adam (see note on v. 12).

trespass See note on v. 15.

death See note on v. 12.

gift of righteousness Refers to the gift of right status before God. See note on 4:3.

5:18 all people All human beings bear the effect of Adam’s sin. All are condemned to die and fall short of God’s righteousness (3:23).

one righteous deed Refers to Jesus’ death on the cross.

5:19 one man See note on v. 12.

the many will be made righteous Although Christ’s obedience has implications for the justification of all people, it does not result in justification apart from their acceptance of the free gift (see v. 17).

5:20 the law Refers to the law of Moses.

The Law in Paul’s Letters

trespass could increase Probably refers both to knowledge of trespasses through the law and sinful rebellion against the law’s requirements (see 7:7–8).

5:21 death See note on v. 12.

righteousness See note on 4:3.

eternal life See note on 2:7.