Romans 3:5
But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.)
Truth to Learn
God is righteous and must judge unrighteousness.
Behind the Words
The word translated “demonstrates” is sunistēmi, a compound word made up of sun, meaning “together” and histēmi, meaning “to stand.” Hence, it literally means “to stand together.” Usually, when this word is used with inanimate things it means “to prove, or establish.” When used of a person, however, this word means “to introduce or to present to one’s acquaintance for favorable notice.” Therefore, in this context it means “to establish or demonstrate.”
“Inflicts” is from the Greek word epipherō, which is made up of epi, meaning “upon” or “over” and pherō, which means “to bring” or “to carry.” Therefore, epipherō literally means “to bring against.”
The word “wrath” is translated from orgē, which is based on a word that means “excitement of the mind” or “violent passion.” Orgē is nearly always translated as “wrath.” It is a word that shows the action which results from anger. In God’s case it is always righteous anger and, therefore, righteous wrath.
Meaning Explained
This can be very confusing so follow me carefully. Paul has just stated two rhetorical questions that would be objections by Jews to his current discourse. The Jewish Christians in Rome would be following his logic to this point. They might well concede that some (even many) Jews had not believed. They would also concede that God was true to his promises and His character, thereby judging sin. As a result of this, the character of God, as a just being, would shine out illustriously.
A careful follower of this reasoning might then argue that Paul was saying that God is glorified by man’s sin. In anticipation of this argument, Paul asks another rhetorical question which we could paraphrase as:
But if our unrighteousness shows the worthiness of God’s righteousness, what can we say against Him? Is God unrighteous who brings forth His wrath against unrighteousness?
Obviously, we can’t condemn God for displaying His righteous wrath against sin. That is the very character of God. He is holy and just. He abhors sin and must judge it because He is a righteous God (He always does what is right).
But Paul is not through with his reasoning against the pride of the Jewish Christians in Rome. In the following verses he will continue his stern discourse.
These past few verses and the ones to follow comprise a difficult passage of scripture to understand. However, if we hang in there I’m sure we will all get a much better understanding of what Paul is teaching us.
Application
When we realize that we are sinners and that God is a righteous God who must judge sin, we recognize that we are deserving of God’s judgment and wrath. But thanks to the blood of Christ, when we confess our sin God cleanses us of all unrighteousness (see 1John 1:9). Praise God!
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2009 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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