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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Romans 5:15 - 5:17
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NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Rom_5:15-17
15But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. 16The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. 17For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
Rom_5:15-19 This is a sustained argument using parallel phrases. The NASB, NRSV, and TEV divide the paragraph at Rom_5:18. However UBS4, NKJV, and JB translate it as a unit. Remember the key to interpretation of the original author's intent is one main truth per paragraph.
Notice that the term "many," Rom_5:15; Rom_5:19, is synonymous with "all" in Rom_5:12; Rom_5:18. This is also true in Isa_53:11-12 and Rom_5:6. No theological distinctions (Calvin's elect versus non-elect) should be made based on these terms!
Rom_5:15 "the free gift" There are two different Greek words for "gift" used in this context-charisma, Rom_5:15-16 (Rom_6:23) and dorea/dorama, Rom_5:15-17 (see note at Rom_3:24)-but they are synonymous. This is really the Good News about salvation. It is a free gift from God through Jesus Christ (cf. Rom_3:24; Rom_6:23; Eph_2:8-9) to all who believe in Christ.
▣ "if" This is a first class conditional sentence which is assumed to be true from the author's perspective or for his literary purposes. Adam's sin brought death to all humans. This is paralleled in Rom_5:17.
▣ "abound" See Special Topic at Rom_15:13.
Rom_5:16 "condemnation. . .justification" Both of these are forensic, legal terms. Often the OT presented the prophet's message as a court scene. Paul uses this form (cf. Rom_8:1; Rom_8:31-34).
Rom_5:17 "if" This is another first class conditional sentence which is assumed to be true from the author's perspective or for his literary purposes. The transgression of Adam did result in the death of all humans.
▣ "much more those who receive" Rom_5:18-19 are not exactly theologically balanced. This phrase cannot be removed from the context of Romans 1-8 and used as a proof-text for universalism (that all will be saved eventually). Humans must receive (Rom_5:17 b) God's offer in Christ. Salvation is available to all, but must be accepted individually (cf. Joh_1:12; Joh_3:16; Rom_10:9-13).
Adam's one act of rebellion issued in the total rebellion of all humans. The one sinful act is magnified! But in Christ one righteous sacrifice is magnified to cover the many individual sins as well as the corporate affect of sin. The "much more" of Christ's act is emphasized (cf. Rom_5:9-10; Rom_5:15; Rom_5:17). Grace abounds!
Rom_5:17-18 "the gift of righteousness will reign in life. . .justification of life" Jesus is God's gift and provision for all of fallen mankind's spiritual needs (cf. 1Co_1:30). These parallel phrases can mean
1. sinful mankind is given right standing with God through Christ's finished work which results in a "godly life"
2. this phrase is synonymous to "eternal life"
The context supports the first option. For a word study on righteousness see special topic at Rom_1:17.
The verb "reign" is used several times in this context.
1. "death reigned from Adam to Moses," Rom_5:14 (aorist active indicative)
2. "death reigned through the one," Rom_5:17 (aorist active indicative)
3. "much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life," Rom_5:17 (future active indicative)
4. "sin reigned in death," Rom_5:21 (aorist active indicative)
5. "grace would reign," Rom_5:21 (aorist active subjunctive)
6. "do not let sin reign," Rom_6:12 (present active imperative)
Paul's personification of sin and death versus the gift of grace is a powerful way to express the theological truth!
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