Romans 5:15
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 the grace 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 descendents. 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 is more than enough to cover your sin.
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2010 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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