Romans 5:19

For, &c. This verse is in close connexion with Romans 5:18. St Paul recurs to the central truth in view, now from this side now from that, so as to leave the one deep and distinct impression of the vicariousnessof the unique Work of the Second Adam; the truth that the justification of all the justified whollyresults therefrom.

made sinners … made righteous Better, constituted, "put into a position" of guilt and righteousness respectively. Here the whole context points to not a moral change but a legal standing. In Adam "the many" became, in the eye of the Law, guilty; in Christ "the many" shall become, in the eye of the same Law, righteous. In other words, they shall be justified. "Shall be made:" the future refers to the succession of believers. The justification of all was, ideally, complete already; but, actually, it would await the times of individual believing. "Many:"lit., in both cases, "the many." See on Romans 5:15. "Obedience:" here probably the special reference is to the Redeemer's "delight to do the will" of His Father, "even unto the death of the cross." (Psalms 40:8; Philippians 2:8.)