What does Romans 5:6 mean?

Explanation

"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." This verse from the Epistle to the Romans emphasizes the state of human weakness and moral inability to align with God's standards.

It points out that humanity, in its natural state, is lacking the spiritual strength and moral fortitude to save itself.

The phrase "in due time" suggests a divinely appointed moment when Christ's sacrificial death occurred.

The significance lies in the notion that Christ's death was not just for the righteous, but specifically for the ungodly, those who are not just weak but actively opposed to or indifferent to God’s laws.

Historical Context

The book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 56-58.

Paul's audience consisted of a mixed community of Jewish and Gentile Christians living in Rome.

This was a period when early Christianity was spreading through the Roman Empire and encountering various religious and philosophical traditions.

To a society that valued honor and strength, the message that a figure like Jesus died for the unworthy was countercultural and radical.

Theological Insights

This verse has been interpreted in several ways by theologians across Christian traditions:

• Substitutionary Atonement: Some Christian theologians see this as a clear reference to the doctrine that Christ died as a substitute for sinners, bearing the punishment that was due to them.
• Divine Timing: There is a sense of divine providence and timing in the use of "in due time," which some theologians argue shows that God's plan for salvation was perfectly orchestrated.
• Universal Need for Grace: The emphasis on Christ dying for the "ungodly" rather than the righteous highlights the Christian belief that all are in need of God's grace, regardless of their moral standing.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life in several ways:

• It can encourage individuals to practice humility by acknowledging their weaknesses and need for divine assistance.
• It can inspire believers to respond to others with grace and compassion, recognizing that Christ died for all, including those deemed ungodly.
• It can serve as a reminder of the importance of divine timing and trusting in God's plan.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 53:5: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
• Ephesians 2:4-5: "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)"
• 1 Timothy 1:15: "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."

Language Study

The key word in this text is "without strength" (Greek: ἀσθενῶν - asthenōn), which indicates a state of weakness or incapacity. Another term is "ungodly" (Greek: ἀσεβῶν - asebōn), referring to those who are irreverent or lacking a proper reverence for God.

The phrase "in due time" (Greek: κατὰ καιρὸν - kata kairon) suggests an appropriate or set time, which in this context implies a pre-ordained moment within God's redemptive timeline.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient mythologies and religions, gods typically favored the strong, the moral, and the victorious.

However, in this Christian perspective, the divine intervenes on behalf of the weak and morally deficient. This inversion was distinct in the Greco-Roman world, where might and virtue were often esteemed.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of human psychology and behavior can shed light on the concept of human weakness and the need for external assistance.

While this verse does not directly engage with scientific concepts, it touches on themes of altruism, sacrifice, and moral behavior, which are areas of inquiry in fields such as evolutionary biology, psychology, and social science.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered interpretations of Romans 5:6:

• John Stott: Emphasized the love of God demonstrated in Christ's death for the ungodly, pointing out the counter-intuitive nature of divine love that reaches out to the undeserving.
• Douglas Moo: Discussed the timing of Christ's death as part of God's redemptive plan, focusing on the revelation of God's righteousness through the atoning work of Christ.
• **N.T.

Wright**: Stressed the historical and cultural implications of the verse, highlighting the radical and transformative nature of the message that Christ died for the ungodly in the context of the early Roman Empire.