The argument commenced in this chapter is continued through the two following. The general design is the same - “to show that the scheme of justification which God had adopted does not lead people to sin, but on the contrary to holiness.” This is introduced by answering an objection, Romans 6:1. The... [ Continue Reading ]
WHAT SHALL WE SAY THEN? - This is a mode of presenting an objection. The objection refers to what the apostle had said in Romans 5:20. What shall we say to such a sentiment as that where sin abounded grace did much more abound? SHALL WE CONTINUE IN SIN? ... - If sin has been the occasion of grace a... [ Continue Reading ]
GOD FORBID - By no means. Greek, It may not be; Note, Romans 3:4. The expression is a strong denial of what is implied in the objection in Romans 6:1. HOW SHALL WE? ... - This contains a reason of the implied statement of the apostle, that we should not continue in sin. The reason is drawn from the... [ Continue Reading ]
KNOW YE NOT - This is a further appeal to the Christian profession, and the principles involved in it, in answer to the objection. The simple argument in this verse and the two following is, that by our very profession made in baptism, we have renounced sin, and have pledged ourselves to live to God... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE WE ARE BURIED ... - It is altogether probable that the apostle in this place had allusion to the custom of baptizing by immersion. This cannot, indeed, be proved, so as to be liable to no objection; but I presume that this is the idea which would strike the great mass of unprejudiced reade... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR IF WE HAVE BEEN PLANTED TOGETHER - The word used here σύμφυτος sumphutos, does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It properly means sown or planted at the same time; what sprouts or springs up together; and is applied to plants and trees that are planted at the same time, and that sprout... [ Continue Reading ]
KNOWING THIS - We all knowing this. All Christians are supposed to know this. This is a new illustration drawn from the fact that by his crucifixion our corrupt nature has been crucified also, or put to death; and that thus we should be free from the servitude of sin. OUR OLD MAN - This expression o... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR HE THAT IS DEAD - This is evidently an expression having a proverbial aspect, designed to illustrate the sentiment just expressed. The Rabbis had an expression similar to this, “When one is dead he is free from commands.” (Grotius.) So says Paul, when a man dies he is exempt from the power and d... [ Continue Reading ]
This passage is a confirmation and illustration of what the apostle had said before, Romans 6:5. The argument is, that as Christ was once dead but now lives to God, and will no more die, so we, being dead to sin, but living unto God, should not obey sin, but should live only to God. Romans 6:8 NOW... [ Continue Reading ]
LET NOT SIN THEREFORE - This is a conclusion drawn from the previous train of reasoning. The result of all these considerations is, that sin should not be suffered to reign in us. REIGN - Have dominion; obtain the ascendency, or rule. IN YOUR MORTAL BODY - In you. The apostle uses the word “mortal... [ Continue Reading ]
NEITHER YIELD YE YOUR MEMBERS - Do not give up, or devote, or employ your members, etc. The word “members” here refers to the members of the body - the hands, feet, tongue, etc. It is a specification of what in Romans 6:12 is included under the general term “body;” see Romans 7:5, Rom 7:23; 1 Corint... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR SIN ... - The propensity or inclination to sin. SHALL NOT HAVE DOMINION - Shall not reign, Romans 5:12; Romans 6:6. This implies that sin ought not to have this dominion; and it also expresses the conviction of the apostle that it would not have this rule over Christians. FOR WE ARE NOT UNDER... [ Continue Reading ]
WHAT THEN? SHALL WE SIN ... - The apostle proceeds to notice an objection which might be suggested. “If Christians are not under the law, which forbids all sin, but are under grace, which pardons sin, will it not follow that they will feel themselves released from obligation to be holy? Will they no... [ Continue Reading ]
KNOW YE NOT ... - The objection noticed in Romans 6:15, the apostle answers by a reference to the known laws of servitude or slavery, Romans 6:16, and by showing that Christians, who had been the slaves of sin, have now become the servants of righteousness, and were therefore bound by the proper law... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT GOD BE THANKED - The argument in this verse is drawn from a direct appeal to the feelings of the Roman Christians themselves. From their experience, Paul was able to draw a demonstration to his purpose, and this was with him a ground of gratitude to God. THAT YE WERE ... - The sense of this pass... [ Continue Reading ]
“Being then made free from sin.” That is, as a master. You are not under its dominion; you are no longer its slaves. They were made free, as a servant is who is set at liberty, and who is, therefore, no longer under obligation to obey. YE BECAME THE SERVANTS ... - You became voluntarily under the d... [ Continue Reading ]
I SPEAK AFTER THE MANNER OF MEN - I speak as people usually speak; or I draw an illustration from common life, in order to make myself better understood. BECAUSE OF THE INFIRMITY OF YOUR FLESH - The word “infirmity” means weakness, feebleness; and is opposed to vigor and strength. The word “flesh” i... [ Continue Reading ]
YE WERE FREE FROM RIGHTEOUSNESS - That is, in your former state, you were not at all under the influence of righteousness. You were entirely devoted to sin; a strong expression of total depravity. It settles the question; and proves that they had no native goodness. The argument which is implied her... [ Continue Reading ]
WHAT FRUIT, THEN ... - What reward, or what advantage. This is an argument drawn from the experience of Christians respecting the indulgence of sinful passions. The question discussed throughout this chapter is, whether the gospel plan of justification by faith leads to indulgence in sin? The argume... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT NOW - Under the Christian plan of justification. BEING MADE FREE FROM SIN - Being delivered from its dominion, and from bondage; in the same manner as before conversion they were free from righteousness, Romans 6:20. YE HAVE YOUR FRUIT UNTO HOLINESS - The fruit or result is holiness. This serv... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THE WAGES OF SIN - The word translated here “wages” ὀψώνια opsōnia properly denotes what is purchased to be eaten with bread, as fish, flesh, vegetables, etc. (Schleusner); and thence, it means the pay of the Roman soldier, because formerly it was the custom to pay the soldier in these things... [ Continue Reading ]