Author: Will

Romans 5:16 – One for the Many

Posted on by Will

Again, the gift of God is not like is not like the result of the one man’s sin. For the judgment which came from one man’s sin resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.

Truth to Learn

God’s free gift of righteousness takes care of all our sins.

 

Behind the Words

The word “sin” is translated from the Greek word hamartanō, which means “to miss the mark.”

As if making a play on words, in this verse Paul repeatedly uses nouns that end in ma. In each cast it indicates the result of an action. These words include:

  • The word translated “gift” – dōrēma, derived from the verb dōreō, meaning “to bestow a gift.” Hence, it refers to a gift.
  • “Judgment” – from krima, which is derived from krinō, meaning “to decide” or “to judge.” Whereas, it can refer to a decision of innocence or guilt, it is most often used in relation to a guilty judgment.
  • The word translated “condemnation” – katakrima. The prefix kata means “down” or “against” and krima, as we just saw, means a judgment. Hence, this word means “a judgment against” or “condemnation” as we have it in this verse.
  • “Justification” – from dikiōma, which is based on the verb dikaioō meaning “to declare righteous” or “to declare innocent.” Hence dikiōma refers to the result of the declaration. That is, our righteousness or justification.

 

Meaning Explained

This is a tough verse, so follow closely. It’s the second time Paul is contrasting the effects of the deeds of Adam and Jesus. Previously, he said that death (the consequence of sin) flowed from Adam but that the gift of grace flowed from Jesus.

A literal word-by-word translation of the first phrase in this verse is, “And the gift not like through the one having sinned.” A couple of words have been added in our translation in order to make the verse more clear. What Paul is saying is that the free gift is not like the one sin of Adam.

Paul now shows why the one sin is not like the free gift. Here’s what the remainder of this verse says,

for (on the one hand) the judgment is out of one (deed) resulting in condemnation, but (on the other hand) the free gift is out of many transgressions resulting in justification.

 Though the grammatical construction is a bit awkward in English, Paul is saying: “on the one hand the judgment that came from one deed resulted in condemnation, but on the other hand the one free gift that handles many transgressions results in justification.”

If we were to sum up this verse it would be to say that death (the consequence of sin) flowed from one transgression (one sin), but the one gift of grace is effective over many transgressions resulting in our justification.

 

Application

Once again, we should be driven to our knees in prayer giving thanks for the gift of the sinless life of Jesus and the gift of grace whereby we will one day stand in the presence of God as righteous saints, not as condemned sinners!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 5:15 – More Than Enough

Posted on by Will

But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by grace which is of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.

Truth to Learn

God’s free gift of grace is more than enough for our sins.

 

Behind the Words

The words “free gift” are from the Greek word charisma, a noun based on the verb charidzomai, meaning “to show a favor” or “to be kind to.” Charisma, therefore, refers specifically to the kindness or favor shown. It typically refers to “an undeserved gift or favor.”

“Offense” is translated from paraptōma, which is the noun form of the verb parapipto, meaning “to fall by the wayside” or “to fall away.” Some claim that this word indicates accidental or unintentional sin. The common usage of this word in Koinē Greek, however, does not support this interpretation.

The word “abounded” is from the Greek word perisseuō, which does not just mean abounded but “superabounded” or “was in excess.” In other words, it was more than enough. Hence, Paul is saying that the gracious gift of God in Jesus Christ was more than enough for all the sins of all mankind.

 

Meaning Explained

In this verse Paul begins his contrasting of the consequences of the actions of Adam and Christ. Paul says that God’s gift of grace (the free gift) is not like the offense (Adam’s sin.) He doesn’t explain how it is different; he merely states it as a fact.

He then goes on to show that the work of grace of God through the Messiah is much greater than the offense of Adam. The next statement, “For if by the one man's offense many died” is a Greek first-class conditional expression, which means it is assumed to be true. Some would contend that it could, therefore, be translated as “For since by the one man's offense many died.” That is, as a result of Adams offense many (all of mankind) have died (and will die). Because of Adam’s sin we have all become sinners and, as a result, we all die (physically).

He now goes on to say that the grace of God, and His gift of eternal life which is given to us by that grace, is greater than the offense that brought sin and death to us all. Paul is simply telling us that God’s gift (salvation through faith) is offered to all freely (by grace) and that it is more than enough to counter the sin that we commit as a result of being Adam’s descendants. And, this gracious gift is given through one man, Jesus Christ. We receive this gift not by obedience to the Law but by belief in the sacrificial death of the one innocent man, Jesus, the Christ.

The final phrase in this verse should be translated as “abounded to the many.” The words “the many” are referring back to the first part of this sentence which says, “For if by the one man's offense many died” so it is also referring to all of mankind. In other words, the gift of grace “superabounds,” or “is more than enough” for the many (all of mankind) who have sinned.

 

Application

You may consider yourself as a decent person who slips-up occasionally, or you may consider yourself as a wretched sinner who deserves all that Hell can deliver. It really doesn’t matter because the blood of Christ, and God’s free gift of salvation through faith in that blood, is more than enough to cover your sins.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Luke 2:13, 14 – Singing Angels?

Posted on by Will

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace on men with whom He is pleased."

Truth to Learn

We need to believe what the Bible says, not what tradition has taught us, no matter how good it might make the story.

 

Behind the Words

“Suddenly” is translated from the Greek word exaiphnēs, which means, ”without warning” or “suddenly.”

The word “multitude” is from the Greek noun plēthos, which refers to “fullness” or “an extremely large amount.”

“Army” is translated from stratias, derived from stratos, meaning “an army.” Stratias refers to God’s army of angels.

“Praising” is from aineō, which means “to declare the praises of and to give glory to someone or something.”

The word “saying” is the Greek verb legō, which literally means “to lay forth,” that is “to verbally deliver a message.” It is not a word that means “to sing.” There are three Greek words translated “sing.” They are adō (generic word for singing), humneō (to sing hymns), and psallō (to play music on an instrument or with the voice.)

The words, “among men with whom He is pleased” are translated from the words en anthropois eudokias. The first word, en, means “in” or “on.” The word anthropois is a plural form of the word for “a man.” The word eudokias is from the verb eudokeo, which means “to please” or “to favor.” The noun form here is in the genitive case, meaning “of favor” or “of pleasure.” Now, we have to ask ourselves, “Of whose favor?” and the only logical answer is, “Of His favor.” Therefore, it is best understood to mean “of His favor” or “of His pleasure.” Thus, our translation of “with whom He is pleased.”

 

Meaning Explained

Every time I sing Gloria in Excelsis Deo (Latin for “Glory to God in the highest”), I imagine a sky full of angels singing in multi-point harmony with a few lowly shepherds and their flocks as the only audience. What a magnificent sound that must have been, coming from the voices of thousands of angels! There’s only one problem with that. The angels didn’t sing to the shepherds …    Say what!?

Before we get into that, let’s step back a little bit. On this particular night there were few shepherds camping out with their sheep. These shepherds were banned from entering the Temple in Jerusalem, the very Temple where the sheep under their care would someday be sacrificed. In spite of that, they were faithfully doing their job when they were surprised by the sudden appearance of a magnificent angel hovering over them, casting his glorious radiance all around. This angel announced to them that the Messiah had just been born. Then, as if telling the shepherds that they must go find this Messianic Baby, the angel informed the shepherds that they would find the child wrapped in strips of cloths, lying in an animal’s feeding trough.

But before the shepherds could even process all this information, the sky was suddenly and unexpectedly filled with thousands of angels, giving praise to Jehovah God and they were saying, not singing, “Glory to God in the highest!”

“So what’s the big deal?” you ask. I agree that singing angels makes a better story, but I believe what the Bible says, not what I want it to say. I believe that we are all sinners, deserving of Hell. I believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was shed to pay the penalty for my sins. I believe Christ died physically and rose from the dead physically. I believe these things, not because they’re reasonable and make perfect sense, because they don’t. I believe them because the Bible says so. Singing angels makes for a great Hollywood scene, but imagine what a wondrous sound it must have been when thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, of angels proclaimed in unison, “Glory to God in the highest!”

 

Application

We may not understand why God tells us what He tells us in the Bible, but we need to believe what it says. Spiritual maturity comes from careful study, believing what the Bible actually reveals, not what tradition has taught us.

Laying all that aside, let’s remember what this passage of Scripture is here to tell us. The God of all creation, the Almighty, the All Knowing, the Everywhere and Everytime Present Supreme Lord of the universe, humbled himself and took on the form of a poor carpenter’s son. His first bed was an animal’s feeding trough. He lived His life with little or no material possessions. He wasn’t forced to do this anymore than he was forced to die on the cross. He humbled himself for our sakes. Christmas is one of the greatest examples of God’s humbling Himself as an expression of His supreme love for His loved ones (you and me). And all that He asks in return is for us to humble ourselves as an expression of our gratitude to Him.

Let’s focus ourselves this Christmas on humbling ourselves before our Savior, the little baby lying in a manger.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Luke 2:12 – Poor Messiah

Posted on by Will

And this is the sign to you: You will find a newborn baby wrapped up, lying in the manger."

Truth to Learn

The conquering Messiah arrived as a very poor baby.

 

Behind the Words

Sēmeion is the Greek word translated “sign.” This is based on the verb sēmainō, which means “to mark,” “to indicate,” or “signify.” Sēmeion is used throughout the New Testament to specify a miracle with a spiritual message. Here it is both a miraculous sign as well as an identifying mark.

The words “newborn baby” are translated from brephos, which specifically refers to “an unborn child,” but it is also used to refer to a newborn child.

“Wrapped up” is from the Greek verb sparganoō, which is from the noun sparganon, meaning a strip of material. Thus, the verb refers to wrapping something in strips of cloth. The rich had blankets or “birth robes” for newborn children. Mary and Joseph could only wrap Jesus is strips of cloth.

The word “manger” is translated from the noun phatnē, from the verb pateomai, meaning “to eat.” A phatnē was where animals ate. It refers either to the stall in which an animal was fed or the feeding trough itself. Here, it probably refers to the feeding trough.

 

Meaning Explained

Having been startled and amazed by the appearance of an angelic being suspended in mid-air above them with his glory shining all around, the shepherds were told that the Christ had just been born. The Christ (Greek equivalent of Messiah) was the One for whom all of Israel had been waiting since the time of Abraham. The Messiah was to be a conquering king who would sit on the throne of David and who would rescue Israel.

The Jews believed that their Messiah would be born of the kingly line of David. Therefore, they expected that He would be born in a king’s palace with all the accoutrements that royalty and wealth could afford. The Prophet Isaiah had said:

For a Child has been born to us, A Son has been given to us; And the government is on His shoulder; and His name is called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. There is no end to the increase of His government and of peace on the throne of David, and on His kingdom, to order it, and to sustain it with justice and with righteousness, from now and forever. The zeal of Jehovah of Hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

After hearing the angelic announcement that the Messiah had been born, there is no doubt that the shepherds wanted to go see Him, but they probably knew they would not be admitted into His presence, expecting royal soldiers to have been guarding Him. But the angel then told them how they would be able to identify this child. He gave them a sign, this baby would be wrapped in strips of cloth and He would be found lying in a manger. This was not the way they expected the Messiah to be born.

The King of kings and the Lord of all creation could have come into this world with all the celebration and show of wealth beyond anything that you or I can ever imagine, but this was God’s way. And that’s the way with the gospel message today. Salvation doesn’t come with a great outward show of conquest with celebration and ceremony. It comes with humility and submission and an inward presence of peace.

 

Application

Most people spend their lives seeking wealth, power, and prestige. God, in the person of Jesus Christ, has shown us that it is better to be poor than rich and it is better to be humble than proud. During this Christmas season, let’s evaluate what our life goals really are and how we want to achieve them. Jesus’ birth was not for his own glory, it was for us. Likewise, our life in Christ is not for ourselves, it is for Him. This Christmas, do you want more “stuff” or do you want to be more like Jesus?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Luke 2:10, 11 – Born To Die

Posted on by Will

And the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid!” Look, I proclaim good news to you, a great joy, which will be to all people. Because there was born to you today a Savior (who is Christ the Lord) in the city of David.

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ came forth as a baby so that he would grow up and die on a cross so that we, being dead sinners, might have eternal life.

 

Behind the Words

“Afraid” is translated from phobeō, from which we get our English word phobia, meaning “fear.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command. It is also accompanied by the negative particle mē. Thus, the angel commanded the shepherds not to be afraid.

The words “I proclaim good news” are from the verb euangelidzomai, meaning “to announce good news.” This is the word from which we get our English verb “to evangelize.”

“Was born” is from a form of the Greek verb tiktō, meaning “to bring forth,” “to bear,” or “to give birth.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense indicating a past completed single action. Thus, when the angel made this announcement to the shepherds, Jesus had already been born.

The word “Savior” is translated from sotēr. This is derived from the verb sodzō, which means “to save,” “to deliver,” or “to preserve safe from danger, loss, or destruction.” This is a very good description of the purpose of the birth of Jesus, to preserve us safe from danger, loss, or destruction.”

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that the shepherds to whom this angel appeared were “afraid with mega-fear.” This is certainly understandable for some simple shepherds, alone in the middle of the night, suddenly visited by a person hovering in the air above them wrapped in brilliant, blazing light.

However, the first words out of this messenger’s mouth were, “Don’t be afraid!” This same exact expression is found at least eighteen times in the New Testament. In every case but one, it was spoken either by Jesus or by one of His angelic messengers. The next thing this angel said was, “I proclaim good news to you, a great joy, which will be to all people.” The reason that the angel told them not to be afraid is because their Savior had come.

Today, the word “gospel” is often used to mean “authentic.” However, in the New Testament it is always the translation of the word euangelion, or “good news.” We Christians usually think of the gospel message as the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which secured our salvation. However, this good news began with His incarnation, His birth as a human being. When we think of our salvation, we think of the cross. When we think of Christmas, we think of the manger. However, without the manger there would be no cross. The good news of salvation through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ began with the good news that God became a man and He did so as a helpless little baby who was laid in an animal’s feeding trough.

 

Application

As we hurry and scurry about during this Christmas season of celebration, let’s not forget that the little baby whose birth we celebrate is our God, who sacrificed Himself for us. This little baby was born to die so that we might live eternally with Him.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Luke 2:9 – Full of Fear

Posted on by Will

And an angel of the Lord stood over them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

Truth to Learn

The shepherds were afraid when the angel appeared to them.

 

Behind the Words

The words “stood over” are translated from the Greek word ephistēmi, from epi meaning “on, above, over, or against” and histēmi, meaning “to stand.” The most common translation of this word in the New Testament is “stand upon.” In this occurrence, however, most translators give it the meaning of “stand against” or “stand before.” However, given the content of this verse, I believe a more literal translation of “stand over” is reasonable. Hence, rather than standing before the shepherds, this angel was probably above them or over them. That is why the glory of the Lord shone around them – because the angel was in the air over them and his magnificent glory shone all around them.

“Glory” is translated from doxa, a form of dokeō. The root meaning of this word is “to think” or “to suppose.” Therefore, the root meaning of doxa is “thought” or “opinion.” There are a number of secondary uses of this word including, reputation, praise, honor, perfection, light, or splendor. In this verse it is used to indicate “bright visual splendor.”

“Shone around” is from the Greek verb perilampō, which is made up of peri, meaning “around” and lampō, meaning “to give light” or “to shine.” Literally, this word means “to illuminate all around.” Thus, perilampō refers to a light which is shining all around.

The expression “they were greatly afraid” is from the words ephobēthēsan phobon megan. This literally means “they feared great fear.” In Greek, repetition of words indicates emphasis, so saying “they feared fear” would indicate that they were very afraid. In addition, the inclusion of the word megan (mega, meaning “great”) indicates that their fear was extremely great.

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that shepherds (probably those responsible for the sheep to be used for the Temple sacrifices) were camping out among the sheep. They were “watching watches,” that is, they were taking turns during the night looking around in order to detect any possible dangers to the animals. Shepherds in those days were fully responsible for the protection of their flocks. In fact, they cared so greatly for the animals under their protection that they experienced mourning over the death of even a single lamb.

While these particular shepherds were protecting their flock in the middle of the dark night, a bright and glorious angelic being appeared to them. This angel seems to have suddenly appeared out of nowhere, suspended in mid-air with his glorious brightness lighting up everything around them.

The sudden appearance of this glorious angelic being caused these normally unflappably courageous shepherds to become extremely afraid. They were used to fighting off lions or bears, but they were not prepared for the presence of this angel.

It’s interesting that the announcement of the birth of the Messiah should start out with fear, because the whole purpose of His incarnation was to bring peace. Just as the fear that Adam and Eve experienced after sinning was taken away by the sacrifice of animals, so the fear of all sinners can be removed by faith in the blood of the Lamb of God.

 

Application

There are many who are afraid even in this season of celebration of the birth of our Savior. It may be fear caused by sickness, financial worries, or fear of physical harm. Look around! Perhaps there is someone around you who is fearful even in the midst of this season of celebration. Is it possible that you can be God’s angel of peace for them? What can you do to relieve their fear?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Luke 2:8 – Celebrating Whom?

Posted on by Will

And shepherds were in the same region spending the night in the field and keeping the night watch over their flock.

Truth to Learn

Christmas was first announced to those who were banned from the accepted religious observances.

Behind the Words

“Shepherds” is translated from poimēn, which refers to “someone who watches over to protect and provide for a flock or herd of animals.”

The word “region” is from chōra which is based on choros, meaning “a place where cattle range and feed.” By extension, Chōra is used to refer to a region, a country, or a land.

“Spending the night in the field” is the translation of the Greek verb agrauleō, which is made up of agros, referring to “the country” as opposed to “the city” and aulidzomai, which means “to spend the night.” Thus, these shepherds were spending the night camped out in the country.

The words “keeping watch” are from the verb phulassō, meaning “to watch over” or “to guard.” The Greek text actually says phulassontes phulakas, meaning “watching watches.” These men were taking turns watching the sheep throughout the various "watches" of the night which were evening, middle of the night, cock crowing, and morning.

Meaning Explained

In Greek, word order is significant, implying importance or emphasis. In the Greek text, this verse starts out with “and shepherds …” because this is an account of what transpired with the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth.

Shepherds spent most of their time out in the fields with their flocks, especially in the spring and summer (these events probably occurred in the springtime). Because of this, they were not able to keep the religious ordinances and ceremonial responsibilities that were required by the religious leaders. As a result, these same religious leaders considered shepherds little better than the heathen Gentiles. They were even banned from entering the Temple. This is particularly ironic since these shepherds were most likely watching the very sheep which were to be used in the temple sacrifices.

Based on the Prophet Micah, the Jews believed that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem:

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being little among the clans of Judah,  out of you He shall come forth to Me to become ruler in Israel; and His comings forth have been from of old, from the days of antiquity. (Micah 5:2)

Near Bethlehem, on the road to Jerusalem, there was a watchtower called Migdal Eder, meaning “watchtower of the flock.” This is where shepherds watched over the animals destined for sacrifice in the Temple in Jerusalem. It was a commonly held belief among the Jews that their Messiah would be revealed from Migdal Eder, because the prophet Micah also said:

And you, O tower of the flock [Migdol Eder], the hill of the daughter of Zion, it shall happen to you… (Micah 4:8 a).

These shepherds, responsible for guarding the sacrificial lambs and who were banned from the Temple, are likely the very ones to whom the Sacrificial Lamb of God was announced by God’s angelic messengers.

Application

Isn’t it amazing. Even though the Jews believed that their Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and that he would be revealed at Migdal Eder, they completely missed His birth? They were likely too busy living their lives and following their "religious" observances to be bothered with looking for their Messiah! How about you? Are you so busy “celebrating” His birth with presents that you completely miss the presence of the One for whom the celebration is intended? Are you busy decorating, shopping, wrapping, cooking, and otherwise preparing for Christmas Day, or are you reading, studying, praying, and humbling yourself before the God-child who was born on this day so that He could die to pay for your sins.

This year, instead of celebrating Christmas, let's celebrate the Christ Child! 

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 5:14 – Sin on the Throne?

Posted on by Will

but death reigned from Adam to Moses, even on those who had not sinned in to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who is coming.

Truth to Learn

Even those who lived before the Law were sinners and suffered death as a result.

 

Behind the Words

“Reigned” is from basileuō, which is the verb form of the noun basileus, meaning “a king.” Thus we see that basileuō literally means “to be king” or as we have it in this verse, “to reign.”

The word “likeness” is translated from homoiōma, which is derived from the verb homoioō, meaning “to make like.” Hence, homoiōma means “a resemblance” or “a likeness.” This word does not imply any relationship between the two things, only a similarity in appearance or function.

The word translated “transgression” is the Greek word parabasis, meaning “to go beyond, cross over, or overstep.” It is most often used to indicate an overstepping of a legal limit. Hence, it usually means “to violate a law or regulation.”

“Type” is translated from the Greek word tupos, which literally refers to “a die or a stamp that is used to make similar impressions or representations.” Figuratively, it refers to something that has the form or resemblance of something else.

 

Meaning Explained

Paul is now driving home the fact that we discussed in the previous verse. That is, that death was visited upon all men from Adam all the way up until the Law was delivered by Moses. Therefore, all the people who lived before the Law must have been sinners.

Just to help us all with a little bit of perspective: the time from Adam to Moses is around 2500 years. That’s longer than from the time of Christ until the present. The period of “the Law,” the time from the giving of the Law until the death of Christ, is about 1300 years. So the amount of time between Adam and Moses is roughly 40% of the entire history of mankind.

Paul here says that death reigned over mankind before the Law even though these people didn’t sin in the same manner as Adam. Sin is sin no matter how great or how small, and it doesn’t matter whether a person sinned once or many, many times. Everyone who descended from Adam, even before the Law was delivered, is a sinner and suffers death as a result of their sin.

The closing statement in this verse is a significant transitional statement. It says that Adam was a “type” of the one who is coming (referring to Christ). In other words, Jesus Christ is a type of Adam. Paul gives a description of what he means by this in 1Corinthians15:45-49 where he refers to Christ as the “last Adam.” But here, Paul will compare, or more correctly, contrast, the two men (Adam and Jesus) to show us how the conduct of both Adam and Jesus has a lasting effect on each one of us personally. But he will also show us the distinct difference in the results of their actions.

 

Application

While it’s true we can all blame Adam for our sinfulness, we can’t blame him for our sins. Because of our sins we face death. However, because of Jesus Christ, we can experience eternal life, even though we may experience physical death.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 5:13 – Sinless Without Law?

Posted on by Will

For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Truth to Learn

We don’t have to break the Law of Moses to be sinners.

 

Behind the Words

 “World” is from the Greek word kosmos, which is probably derived from komeō, meaning “to take care of.” Kosmos specifically refers to “an orderly arrangement.” This word is used in the New Testament to refer to the world system, not the physical world.

The word “imputed” is similar to a word we saw in the previous chapter. It was the word logidzomai, meaning “to credit to someone’s account.” This word is ellogeō, which is sometimes used synonymously but it has a subtly different meaning. It means “to take into account” or “to take into consideration.”

 

Meaning Explained

Remember that this letter was originally written to Christians in Rome who were predominantly Jewish and who were still tied to keeping the Law, even after their conversion to Christianity. Throughout this letter Paul has been showing them (and us) that righteousness before God is not attained by keeping the Law but by the free, gracious gift of God, which comes only after we believe His promises.

In the previous verse Paul told us that sin (and death as a result) entered the world through Adam, and death passed on to all of us because all of us have sinned. Since the recipients of this letter were convinced that sin was a result of not keeping the Law, Paul now points out to them that sin existed in this world even before the Law was delivered to Moses. In other words, sin did not commence with the Law, sin commenced with Adam.

Now look at this carefully! Paul then says that sin is not imputed (taken into consideration) when there is no law. If we read this too quickly we might want to respond, “If sin is not imputed where there is no law then it wasn’t imputed to those who lived before the Law was delivered!” This is precisely the argument that Paul is refuting. You see, since death is the penalty of sin and death passed on all men after Adam, then all have sinned. Therefore there must have been a “law” (not “the Law”) that was transgressed even before the Law of Moses was delivered.

For those of you who think we Christians have to keep the Law (the Ten Commandments) in order to be “right” with God, you will find that Paul is arguing against you. Keeping the Law (or even keeping God’s higher moral law) is not what makes us acceptable (righteous) in God’s sight (for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God [Romans 3:23]). Only the righteousness that God gives to us when we believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as payment for our sins can make us acceptable in His sight.

 

Application

We don’t have to keep the Law of Moses to be righteous, but we don’t have to break the Law of Moses to be sinners either. However, if you know that you are a sinner and believe that Jesus died to pay the penalty of your sin, then you are reckoned as righteous in God’s record book.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 5:12 – Ancestral Sin

Posted on by Will

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—

Truth to Learn

Our sinfulness is a result of our being a descendant of Adam.

 

Behind the Words

The words “just as” are translated from the Greek word hōsper, which is used to introduce the first member of a comparison. However, Paul never grammatically introduces the second member, although it is clear that he is comparing the sin-producing work of Adam with the atoning work of Christ.

“Entered” is from the Greek eiserchomai, which is composed of eis, meaning “into” or “unto” and erchomai, meaning “to come” or “to go.” Hence, it means “to come into.” It is expressed in the aorist tense indicating an action that was completed at a point in time in the past.

The word “spread” is dierchomai, which is composed of a form of dia, meaning “through” or “throughout” and erchomai, meaning “to come” or “to go.” This word is immediately followed by the preposition epi, meaning “upon.” So, we see that Paul is saying that death “came through upon” or “spread to” all of mankind.

 

Meaning Explained

This passage, beginning here and continuing through verse twenty-one, has been described as one of the most difficult parts of the New Testament. Unfortunately the brevity of these daily devotional studies will prevent us from going into the depth necessary to have a full understanding of this passage.

The first thing we see in this verse is that sin entered this world through one man, Adam. Adam was commanded not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam disobeyed, thus sinning against God. Up until that time sin had not existed in our physical world.

The second thing we see is that death entered into this world by this sin. Paul will tell us in the next chapter that the result of sin is death. Here he tells us that it was through Adam’s sin that death became a reality to us all. We see by implication that had Adam never sinned, he never would have died. In fact, God warned him about death being the consequence of disobedience when He first commanded Adam not to eat of that tree, “for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” [Genesis 2:17]

The third thing we see in this verse is that from Adam’s sin, death spread to all of us. There is no disputing that all men die. Paul is simply telling us here that this death that Adam suffered as a result of his sin is passed on to all of his descendants. The reason that we all die is because we all sinned.

In this passage Paul does not say whether he is referring to physical death or spiritual death, though his implication is physical death based on the next few verses.

Now, hang in there because there’s more to come in the following verses.

 

Application

We are sinners because we are descendants from Adam. We can blame Adam for our sinfulness, but we can’t blame Adam for our sins. That’s why we need a Savior.

In God's service, for His glory,

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