FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary ,which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
A. Rom_5:1-11 are one sentence in Greek. They develop Paul's pivotal concept of "Justification by grace through Faith" (cf. Rom_3:21 to Rom_4:25).
B. Possible outlines of Rom_5:1-11 :
Rom_5:1-5
Rom_5:6-8
Rom_5:9-11
1. The Benefits of Salvation
1. The Basis for Salvation
1. The Future Certainty of Salvation
2. Subjective Experiences of Justification
2. Objective Facts of Justification
2. Future Certainty of Justification
3. Justification
3. Progressive Sanctification
3. Glorification
4. Anthropology
4. Theology
4. Eschatology
C. Rom_5:12-21 are a discussion of Jesus as the second Adam (cf. 1Co_15:21-22; 1Co_15:45-49; Php_2:6-8). It gives emphasis to the theological concepts of both individual sin and corporate guilt. Paul's development of mankind's (and creation's) fall in Adam was so unique and different from the rabbis (who developed their doctrine of sin from Genesis 6), while his view of corporality was very much in line with rabbinical teaching. It showed Paul's ability under inspiration to use or supplement the truths he was taught during his training in Jerusalem under Gamaliel (cf. Act_22:3).
The Reformed Evangelical doctrine of original sin from Genesis 3 was developed by Augustine and Calvin. It basically asserts that humans are born sinful (total depravity). Often Psa_51:5; Psa_58:3; and Job_15:14; Job_25:4 are used as OT proof-texts. The alternate theological position that humans are progressively, morally and spiritually, responsible for their own choices and destiny was developed by Pelagius and Arminius. There is some evidence for their view in Deu_1:39; Isa_7:15; and Jon_4:11; Joh_9:41; Joh_15:22; Joh_15:24; Act_17:30; Rom_4:15. The thrust of this theological position would be that children are innocent until an age of moral responsibility (for the rabbis this was 13 years old for boys and 12 years old for girls).
There is a mediating position in which both an innate evil propensity and an age of moral responsibility are both true! Evil is not only corporate, but a developing evil of the individual self to sin (life progressively more and more apart from God). The wickedness of humanity is not the issue (cf. Gen_6:5; Gen_6:11-13; Rom_3:9-18; Rom_3:23), but the when, at birth or later in life?
D. There have been several theories about the implications of Rom_5:12
1. all people die because all people choose to sin (Pelagius)
2. Adam's sin affected the entire creation and, thereby, all die (Rom_5:18-19, Augustine)
3. in reality it is probably a combination of original sin and volitional sin
E. Paul's comparison "just as" begun in Rom_5:12 is not finished until Rom_5:18. Rom_5:13-17 form a parenthesis which is so characteristic of Paul's writings.
F. Remember Paul's presentation of the gospel, Rom_1:18 to Rom_8:39, is one sustained argument. The whole must be seen in order to properly interpret and appreciate the parts.
G. Martin Luther has said of Romans 5, "In the whole Bible there is hardly another chapter which can equal this triumphant text."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. Define God's "righteousness."
2. What is the theological distinction between "positional sanctification" and "progressive possession"?
3. Are we saved by grace or faith (cf. Eph_2:8-9)?
4. Why do Christians suffer?
5. Are we saved or being saved or will be saved?
6. Are we sinners because we sin, or do we sin because we are sinners?
7. How are the terms "justified," "saved" and "reconciled" related in this chapter?
8. Why does God hold me responsible for another man's sin who lived thousands of years ago (Rom_5:12-21)?
9. Why did everyone die between Adam and Moses if sin was not counted during this period (Rom_5:13-14)?
10. Are the terms "all" and "many" synonymous (Rom_5:18-19, Isa_53:6; Isa_53:11-12)?
