What does Romans 5:17 mean?

Explanation

Romans 5:17 speaks to the contrast and connection between the actions of Adam and Jesus Christ.

In the verse, the apostle Paul points out that through Adam's transgression (his sin in the Garden of Eden), death became a reigning force over humanity.

This reign of death is characterized by the consequence of sin, which is both physical death and spiritual separation from God.

However, the second part of the verse provides a powerful counter-statement.

Paul states that for those who receive an "abundance of grace" and the "gift of righteousness," life will reign through one individual, Jesus Christ.

The "abundance of grace" refers to the overabundant, plentiful mercy and favor from God that is undeserved by humans.

The "gift of righteousness" is the right standing before God that is given to believers as a gift, as opposed to something that can be earned by human effort.

The key contrast is between the single offense of Adam with the single act of righteousness by Jesus.

Adam's offense brought death, but Christ's righteous act (his death and resurrection) brings life, and not just life, but a reigning in life, suggesting a powerful, victorious quality of life that is available through Christ.

Historical Context

The Book of Romans was written by the apostle Paul around AD 57 to the believers in Rome.

This was a period of the early church where the foundational doctrines of Christianity were being established and explained.

Paul does not merely want the Roman Christians to understand the gospel superficially; he wants them to grasp the profound nature of God’s gracious salvation plan.

During this time, Christians were a minority group and often faced with persecution.

They were also grappling with the relationship between the Jewish law and the new faith in Christ.

Roman society was largely polytheistic and heavily influenced by Greek philosophy, which had different views on sin, life, and the afterlife.

Paul, therefore, seeks to explain the theological significance of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection in terms that would resonate with Jewish and Gentile believers alike.

Theological Insights

From various theological standpoints, Romans 5:17 delves into key doctrines:

• The doctrine of original sin posits that Adam's disobedience had consequences for the entire human race, leading to the inherent sinful nature present in all humanity.

• The doctrine of justification by faith highlights that righteousness is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ, as opposed to adherence to the Law or human achievements.

• The doctrine of the Atonement understands Jesus' death and resurrection as the means by which humanity's relationship with God is restored.

From a Reformed perspective, this verse is often cited to underline the concept of "federal headship," where Adam and Christ are seen as representatives of humanity in two covenants: the Covenant of Works (with Adam) and the Covenant of Grace (with Christ).

Catholic theology also recognizes this verse as one of the biblical foundations for understanding the transmission of original sin, but also emphasizes the gratuitous nature of sanctifying grace received through the sacraments.

Practical Applications

Romans 5:17 can be seen as a source of hope and encouragement, reminding believers that despite the reign of death through sin, there is an even greater reign of life through Jesus Christ. This has practical implications for:

• Overcoming despair: Christians do not need to be overwhelmed by the power of sin or death in their lives, as they have access to a new reigning principle of life in Christ.

• Living righteously: Since righteousness is a gift that has been freely given, followers of Christ are empowered to live in a way that honors that gift, not out of obligation but out of gratitude.

• Proclaiming the Gospel: The radical transformation from death to life is a key element of the Christian witness, providing a compelling narrative to share with those exploring faith.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 15:21-22: "For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead."
• 1 Corinthians 15:45: "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit."
• John 1:17: "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."
• Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Language Study

Key words from the original Greek text of this verse include:

• "Offence" (Greek: παράπτωμα, paraptōma): A false step, a transgression, a sin.
• "Death reigned" (Greek: ἐβασίλευσεν ὁ θάνατος, ebasileusen ho thanatos): A regal power or being in control.
• "Abundance" (Greek: περισσεία, perisseia): Superabundance, excessive, over and above, more than sufficient.
• "Grace" (Greek: χάρις, charis): Favor, goodwill, unmerited kindness.
• "Gift" (Greek: δώρεμα, dōrema): A present or free gift.
• "Righteousness" (Greek: δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosynē): The state of him who is as he ought to be; the condition acceptable to God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures and religions, there are narratives that explore the origin of sin and death. For example, in Greek mythology, the story of Pandora’s box suggests that human curiosity and disobedience released evils into the world.

In contrast, Romans 5:17 provides a uniquely Christian perspective by also offering a solution to sin and death through one man’s righteous act of sacrifice, which is not found in these other traditions.

Additionally, many religions have concepts of law, merit, and balancing good deeds against bad. The Christian concept of receiving righteousness as a free gift through grace stands in contrast to systems where right standing is achieved through personal effort or adherence to religious law.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly engage with scientific topics but rather addresses theological and philosophical ideas about the nature of human existence, sin, and death.

Nevertheless, the idea of "reigning in life" can be metaphorically linked to the psychological benefits of religious belief and the experience of transcending difficult circumstances, which have been supported by some studies in the field of psychology.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical commentators have reflected on this verse:

• John Stott, an influential evangelical writer, emphasizes the theme of "two Adams" as representatives of the old and new humanity, portraying the work of Christ as a redemptive mirror to the fall of Adam.

• Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformer, focused on the free gift of righteousness that cannot be earned and the pivotal role of faith in receiving grace.

• Charles Spurgeon, the famous Baptist preacher, often used Romans 5:17 to illustrate the vastness of God's grace that exceeds sin and death, exhorting believers to live in the good of that grace.

These perspectives demonstrate a shared view of the crucial nature of this verse in Christian soteriology, the study of salvation, and its practical implications for faith and life.