Romans 5:12 introduces Paul’s theme, but he interrupts himself in 5:13–14 to explain that sin and death were in the world even when there was no law. While the core of the passage, 5:18–19, explains the parallels between Adam and Jesus, Paul precedes that with an explanation of how they differ, in 5:15–17. Thus, 5:12 connects most directly to 5:18–19. Paul closes by explaining the role of the law and by celebrating the abounding grace of Jesus (Rom. 5:20–21).5 The substitutionary