Romans 6

Hendriksen

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-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 � StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size StandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldfsItalicUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNo Unicode Jump Size-9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 kTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardSpaceBefore SpaceAfterTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 6 4 2 8 0 0 CHAPTER 6 ) Outline (continued) ) Justification by Faith ) 2a. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 It produces the fruit of ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 holiness.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 3 2 8 0 0 We who died to sin, how can we any longer live in it? ) 6:1 14 ) 2b. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Who Is Your Master? Sin or God?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 3 2 8 0 0 But now, freed from sin and made servants of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is life everlasting. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is life everlasting in Christ Jesus our Lord. ) 6:15 23 ) 2a. It produces the fruit of ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 holiness.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 We who died to sin, how can we any longer live in it? ) 6:1 14 ) 9 1 2 8 0 0 6 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 1 What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning in order that grace may increase? ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 2 By no means! We who died to sin, how can we any longer live in it? 3 Or don t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 So then we were buried with him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. ) 5 For if we have become united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1” 163) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him, so that the body of sin might be destroyed, that we should no longer be slaves of sin 7 because the one who died is freed from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe we shall also live with him; 9 since we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, no longer dies. Death no longer exercises lordship over him. 10 For the death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 So then you yourselves should also consider yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 12 Accordingly, do not let sin reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. 13 And do not offer the parts of your bodies to sin, as weapons of wickedness, but instead offer yourselves to God, as those who were brought from death to life, and offer your bodily parts to him, as weapons of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be lord over you, because you are not under law but under grace. ) Chapter 6 introduces a new subject. Not that there is a sudden break. But there is a difference, a transition from one fruit of justification, namely, peace with God, to another, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 holiness) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Sin, mentioned frequently in chapter 5, is mentioned even more often in chapter 6. And in this connection the emphasis turns away from the believer s legal ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 status) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to his spiritual-moral ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 condition) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . The new line of thought centers about such concepts as holiness, living a new life, dying to sin, living to God. ) 6 3 2 8 0 0 Nevertheless, chapters 5 and 6 are closely related, just as closely as are justification and sanctification. The God who declares the sinner just at the same time, and in close connection with it, pours the sanctifying Spirit into his heart, producing holiness. ) A very practical consideration contributed to the writing of chapter 6. With warm enthusiasm Paul had been proclaiming the riches of God s grace. To many people, especially Jews and those former pagans who had embraced Judaism, his emphasis on divine grace as the one and only source of salvation was something new. It seemed to some of them as if this preacher-missionary-writer was minimizing the value of works. They reasoned, If works mean so little, why perform them at all?

Besides, if grace is everything, why not sin flagrantly, lustfully, in order to give grace the opportunity to operate ? Chapter 6 is Paul s pointed and animated reply to this fantastic distortion of his divinely inspired presentation of the doctrine of sin and grace. ) As was true with respect to chapters 4 and 5, so also chapter 6 readily divides itself into two parts. In verses 1 14 Paul points out that it would be impossible for believers to continue to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 live in) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 sin: those who have died to sin are alive to God in Christ Jesus. In verses 15 23 the apostle, by implication, asks the question, Who is your Master? Is it Sin or God ) 9 1 2 8 0 0

What shall we say then? Shall we go on Sinning in order that grace may increase?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 It will be recalled that already in 3:8 Paul briefly combats this distortion of the doctrine of grace. Here, in chapter 6, his refutation is more detailed. ) It should be emphasized that we are not dealing here with a merely theoretical objection to the doctrine of grace. In fact, though some of those who asked this question may indeed have intended it to be interpreted as an objection to Paul s teaching, others were not ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 objecting) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 at all. They were rather pleased with Paul s doctrine (as they interpreted it), and were saying, Let us go on sinning that grace may increase. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 When ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Peter) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.16|AUTODETECT|” states that some of Paul s teachings were being distorted 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.16|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 3:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), he may well have been thinking of this particular attempt to twist the meaning of the words used by his dear brother, the apostle to the Gentiles. We know, at least, that what made ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Jude) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.4|AUTODETECT|” change his mind about the contents of a letter he had planned to write was the fact that certain individuals had turned (the doctrine of) the grace of God into a license for immoral living 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Jude 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 3 2 8 0 0 Every age has produced its quota of such deceivers. An example that occurs to the mind immediately is that of the Russian monk Rasputin. For a while he was a very influential favorite of Emperor Nicholas II. His doctrine seems to been, The more a person sins, the more grace he will receive. So sin with gusto. ) Another and far more recent example from life: this man was an ardent evangelist. One of his favorite passages was taken from this very chapter of Romans, You are not under law but under grace (verse 14).

He spoke persuasively, drawing large crowds. However, his immediate neighbor never went to hear him. When someone asked that neighbor, How is it that we never see you in his audience? the answer was, Because I happen to know that his back yard is filled with stolen property. ) Paul s response to the question, Shall we go on sinning that grace may increase? is, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0
2. By no means! We who died to sin, how can we any longer live in it?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 2 8 0 0
The very suggestion that the end justifies the means, that grace may be produced by living in sin, is so thoroughly obnoxious to Paul that he answers it by making use of one of his characteristic, blunt rejection formulas, By no means. See on 3:4, p. 111. For a Christian, continuing to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
live in) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
sin is not only impermissible, it is impossible! To be sure, Paul knows that even a believer commits acts of sin until the day of his release from this earthly existence. See 7:14f. But in the apostle s theology this circumstance does not provide a valid reason for easy living. See on 6:15. Moreover, the notion that a child of God should voluntarily give sin an opportunity to operate, that he should actually encourage it, produces a revulsion in Paul s heart. He is disgusted with the very suggestion! ) 6 1 2 8 0 0
He reminds his readers that something decisive has taken place in his and in their lives. By the grace of God ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
they had died to sin;) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.3.3|AUTODETECT|”
that is, they had renounced allegiance to their sinful selves and to all the allurements and enticements of this sinful world. Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.3.3|AUTODETECT|”
Col. 3:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
, For you died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. All this had happened when they had been converted, had professed their faith, and had been baptized. So Paul continues: ) 9 1 2 8 0 0
3, 4. Or don t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? So then we were buried with him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.3.10|AUTODETECT|”
When Paul asks, Don t you know that, etc.? he reminds us of the style of the Master. See especially ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.3.10|AUTODETECT|”
John 3:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.19.10|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.19.10|AUTODETECT|”
19:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.12.3|AUTODETECT|”
; but compare also such passages as ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.12.3|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 12:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.12.5|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.12.5|AUTODETECT|”
5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.19.4|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.19.4|AUTODETECT|”
19:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.21.16|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.21.16|AUTODETECT|”
21:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.21.42|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.21.42|AUTODETECT|”
42) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.22.31|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.22.31|AUTODETECT|”
22:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.3|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.3|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 6:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
, to mention only a few. The question shows too that although Paul had not himself established the church of Rome, he takes for granted that the practical significance of Christ s death for Christian living is a matter on which his readers could be expected to be thoroughly informed. See also on 7:1, p. 214. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|”
The apostle assumes that those (including himself) who had listened to the public preaching of the gospel or who by any other means had been converted, had publicly confessed their faith and had been baptized. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 28:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.2.37|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.2.37|AUTODETECT|”
Acts 2:37) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.2.38|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.2.38|AUTODETECT|”
38) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.9.18|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.9.18|AUTODETECT|”
9:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. He now asks, Don t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|”
To be baptized into Christ Jesus implies to be brought into personal relation to the Savior. For similar expressions see ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 28:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.1.13|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.1.13|AUTODETECT|”
I Cor. 1:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
; and 10:2 . Paul, accordingly, points out that baptizing people into Christ Jesus implies baptizing them into i.e., in connection with the sacrament of baptism bringing them into personal relationship with Christ s ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
death,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
so that this death becomes meaningful to them, teaching them that by it the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
guilt) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
of their sins had been removed, and that they had received power to fight and overcome sin s ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
pollution) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0
On the surface the statement, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
We were buried with him) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
through baptism ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
into his death) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
may seem confusing, as if burial precedes death. Besides, how is it possible for any person to be ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
buried) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
into another s ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
death?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
However, when we bear in mind the context, the difficulty disappears, as will be shown: ) 6 1 2 8 0 0
The dangerous doctrine of the antinomians was leading people astray. This sinister heresy caused Paul to emphasize the necessity of making a complete break with the sinful life of the past. So he says, We were buried into his i.e., Christ s death; that is, by the power of the Holy Spirit we were made to delve down deeply into the meaning of that marvelous death. In fact, so deeply did we, with heart and mind, bury ourselves into it that we began to see its glorious meaning for our lives. Therefore we reject and loathe the terrible wicked slogan, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
Let us continue to live in sin in order that grace may increase) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. ) 6 2 2 8 0 0
Through baptism and reflection on its meaning these early converts, including Paul, had been brought into a very close personal relationship with their Lord and Savior and with the significance of his self-sacrificing death. The meaning of that death had been blessed to their hearts by the Holy Spirit. ) Paul now also reminds his readers that Christ was raised from the dead through the glory here meaning the majestic power (see on 1:23, p. 74) of the Father. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.10.28|AUTODETECT|”
Since the Savior s beloved ones are in him, the relationship being very close and inseparable 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.10.28|AUTODETECT|”
John 10:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.17.24|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.17.24|AUTODETECT|”
17:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.35-45.8.39|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.35-45.8.39|AUTODETECT|”
Rom. 8:35 39) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.3.3|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.3.3|AUTODETECT|”
Col. 3:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
), it follows that included in the purpose of his resurrection was this goal: that we might walk in newness of life, ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref2
10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2”
164) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� a life dedicated no longer to sin but to the glory of God Triune. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0
It must be understood that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
Christ s resurrection) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.34|AUTODETECT|”
from the dead must be given its full meaning, as that great event which led to his saving activity in heaven 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.34|AUTODETECT|”
Rom. 8:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.1.20-49.1.23|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.1.20-49.1.23|AUTODETECT|”
Eph. 1:20 23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=58.7.25|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=58.7.25|AUTODETECT|”
Heb. 7:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
). ) 6 1 2 8 0 0
For ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
walking,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
in the sense of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
conducting oneself) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
living,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.17.1|AUTODETECT|”
see such passages as the following: ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.17.1|AUTODETECT|”
Gen. 17:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=2.16.4|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=2.16.4|AUTODETECT|”
Exod. 16:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.56.13|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.56.13|AUTODETECT|”
Ps. 56:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.101.2|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.101.2|AUTODETECT|”
101:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.119.1|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.119.1|AUTODETECT|”
119:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.4.12|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.4.12|AUTODETECT|”
Rom. 4:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.1|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.1|AUTODETECT|”
8:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.4|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.4|AUTODETECT|”
4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.13.13|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.13.13|AUTODETECT|”
13:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.14.5|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.14.5|AUTODETECT|”
14:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.3.3|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.3.3|AUTODETECT|”
I Cor. 3:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=47.5.17|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=47.5.17|AUTODETECT|”
II Cor. 5:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.5.16|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.5.16|AUTODETECT|”
Gal. 5:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.5.25|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.5.25|AUTODETECT|”
25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.2.10|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.2.10|AUTODETECT|”
Eph. 2:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.6-49.3.19|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.6-49.3.19|AUTODETECT|”
3:6 19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref3
10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3”
165) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� ) 9 1 2 8 0 0
5. For if we have become united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 2 8 0 0
The close connection between verses 3, 4 and verse 5 is indicated by the word ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
For) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. Hence, the idea of some, that verse 5 refers to the future bodily resurrection of believers must be rejected.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref4
10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4”
166) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� Verse 5 repeats the thought of the immediately preceding context, namely, the believers union with Christ in (a) his death and (b) his resurrection, considered respectively as the source of (a) their death to sin, and (b) their resurrection to newness of life. But it also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
adds) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
something to the thought expressed in the preceding. Note the word ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
certainly) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0
The meaning of verse 5, then, is as follows, For if we have become united with Christ in a death like his, so that his death brought about our death to constantly living in sin, we shall ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
certainly) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
also be united with him in a resurrection like his; that is, then surely his (bodily) resurrection (understood in its most comprehensive sense, as explained above, see p. 196) will bring about our spiritual resurrection; that is, our walking in newness of life. The ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
emphasis) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
Paul placed on this fact must be ascribed to the ominous character of the antinomian heresy.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref5
10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5”
167) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� ) 9 1 2 8 0 0
6, 7. For we know that our old self was crucified with him, so that the body of sin might be destroyed, that we should no longer be slaves of sin because the one who died is freed from sin.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 2 8 0 0
The wicked error of the antinomians, a subject which has been on the apostle s mind from the very beginning of this chapter, and to which he also alluded previously, helps to explain verses 6, 7. What Paul is saying is this: instead of wallowing in sin in order that grace may increase, we should bear in mind that such a course would defeat the very purpose of our lives as believers. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|”
Paul says, For we know, thereby appealing to that which could be assumed as common knowledge among believers, including the addressees. The important fact with which they were assumed to be familiar was this: that our old self was crucified with Christ. This old self is the person we once were, our human nature considered apart from grace. When the apostle now states that this old self was crucified with Jesus, it is clear that he again proceeds upon the basis of the believers solidarity with Christ. Just as he considers all human beings as present in Adam (cf. 5:12, 17, 19), so he views all believers as being present in Christ. Therefore, in a sense, when Christ died on the cross, his true followers all died there with him. We are reminded of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|”
Gal. 2:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0: ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me; and that (life) which I now live in flesh I live in faith, (the faith) which is in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me. The passing of time has nothing to do with this. Since Scripture regards us as already present in Adam, it can also view us as ever being present in Christ. ) The purpose and result of our solidarity with Christ in his crucifixion is so that the body of sin might be destroyed, that is, that, by means of Christ s crucifixion and our crucifixion with him, this destruction might take place. With the expression body of sin (verse 6, cf. old self, also verse 6; and see also I, 7:14) is probably meant the person in his entirety, viewed as controlled by sin. It is clear that the reference is to human nature apart from regenerating grace. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.12|AUTODETECT|” Does Paul mean then that in this present life the believer can reach such a degree of holiness that he does not commit any sin? He does not, neither is that fallacy taught anywhere else in Scripture. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.12|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14 25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.3.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.3.2|AUTODETECT|” James 3:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.8|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.19|AUTODETECT|” . But there is a vast difference between (a) committing a sin and (b) constantly living and delighting in sin. By the power and grace of the Holy Spirit a person can indeed reach the point where he no longer desires to be a slave of sin. For a synonym of this phrase slaves of sin see ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.19|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 2:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.34|AUTODETECT|” , and note the words of Jesus as reported in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.34|AUTODETECT|” John 8:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . See ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6” N.T.C.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 on John, Vol. II, p. 53. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 To all this, Paul now adds, & because the one who died is freed from sin. In light of the context the meaning would certainly seem to be, The person who has by God s sovereign grace been regenerated and converted, so that he no longer delights in sin but rather fights it, can be assured of the fact that God has, on the basis of Christ s atonement, forgiven his sins, with the result that he is now truly ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 free, justified) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in God s sight. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 However, several commentators, in their attempt to explain this passage, immediately point to the familiar rabbinical (and more general) rule according to which death pays all debts. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7”

6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.3|AUTODETECT|” �� An appeal is frequently made to the fact that Paul had been trained under the famous Jewish teacher Gamaliel 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.3|AUTODETECT|” Acts 22:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and was therefore well acquainted with rabbinical lore. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.1-40.23.3|AUTODETECT|” Now it need not be denied that in a formal manner the apostle may indeed here and there reveal the results of this earlier training. According to Scripture by no means all of the teaching of the rabbis was bad. Study the following passages: ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.1-40.23.3|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:1 3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.28-41.12.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.28-41.12.34|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:28 34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.34-44.5.39|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.34-44.5.39|AUTODETECT|” Acts 5:34 39) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.8|AUTODETECT|” 23:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.9|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Does this mean, then, that when Paul states his views with respect to such subjects as speaking in tongues, qualifications for ecclesiastical office, the position of women in the church, etc., we are justified immediately to dismiss that with which we do not happen to agree, basing our negative attitude on the supposition that Paul s views on such matters were influenced by the rabbis? ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.9|AUTODETECT|” But such reasoning is hardly fair. A thorough examination of Paul s epistles reveals that on ever so many important subjects he had by the study of Scripture and the illumination of the Holy Spirit arrived at a position that differed substantially from that of the rabbis. See, for example, the following passages: ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 2:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.14|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.15|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.17-45.2.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.17-45.2.29|AUTODETECT|” 17 29) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.9|AUTODETECT|” 3:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.20|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.21|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.22-46.1.24|AUTODETECT|” f.; chapters 4, 5; 7:6; 9:8, 11; 10:3; 11:7; 14:17; 15:9 12; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.22-46.1.24|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:22 24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.16|AUTODETECT|” 3:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.19|AUTODETECT|” 7:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.20|AUTODETECT|” 9:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.25|AUTODETECT|” 10:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.1|AUTODETECT|” 15:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.14|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.14|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 3:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.20|AUTODETECT|” 5:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.21|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.22|AUTODETECT|” 11:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.6|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.19-48.2.21|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.19-48.2.21|AUTODETECT|” 2:19 21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.1|AUTODETECT|” 3:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.24|AUTODETECT|” f., ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.24|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.2-48.5.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.2-48.5.4|AUTODETECT|” 5:2 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.12-48.6.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.12-48.6.16|AUTODETECT|” 6:12 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8-49.2.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8-49.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:8 10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.11-49.2.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.11-49.2.22|AUTODETECT|” 11 22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.2|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.24|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.24|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.11|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.11|AUTODETECT|” 2:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.12|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.16|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.11|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.11|AUTODETECT|” 3:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.4|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.4.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.4.1|AUTODETECT|” 4:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.13-54.6.16|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.13-54.6.16|AUTODETECT|” 6:13 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.8|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.4|AUTODETECT|” Titus 3:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.14-52.2.16|AUTODETECT|” f.; and see especially ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.14-52.2.16|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:14 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Besides, one cannot very well endorse a low estimate of Paul s statements and still cling to the view that Paul wrote by inspiration. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 In the present instance the appeal to the quoted rabbinical rule helps little if at all in the interpretation. The apostle refers, of course, to death to sin, the determination (followed by action) by God s grace and power no longer to live in sin. When a person no longer feels at home in sin he can be sure of the fact that he has been freed from the guilt of sin and that even the power which sin has been wielding over him is on the way out.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 It was the desire to live this kind of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 new) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 life that caused people to come forward in order to be baptized. The ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 water) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of baptism, by whatever method it is applied (immersion, pouring, sprinkling) symbolizes and seals the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 cleansing) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.36.25|AUTODETECT|” power of the Spirit 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.36.25|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 36:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.11|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.26|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.22|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It symbolizes and seals what ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 God) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 has done and is doing, and, as a result, incorporation of the person into the fellowship of God and of his church. On the error of underestimating the significance of the sacraments see above, p. 152; of overestimation, p. 151. ) 9 1 2 8 0 0 8, 9. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe we shall also live with him; since we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, no longer dies.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 If we died with Christ, that is, if, as a result of Christ s death for us, we died to sin, we shall also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 spiritually live) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in fellowship with him, and this not only in the hereafter but here and now. Cf. verses 3 and 5. We know that such living ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 with him) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.24|AUTODETECT|” is possible because he, having died, was raised from the dead, never again to die. Death could not hold him 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.24|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), for it no longer exercises lordship over him. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Those who, during Christ s pre-Golgotha ministry, were by him raised from the dead, died again. According to heathen mythology certain deities are constantly dying and rising. Not so Jesus. ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Death no longer exercises lordship over him.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.18|AUTODETECT|” Having been raised, he lives forevermore 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.18|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 1:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and we with him. This ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 we believe:) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 we know it to be true! ) 9 1 2 8 0 0

For the death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Without the assurance that Christ s death was a once-for-all death, believers would lack the comfort they need for this and the future life. Does not that comfort consist exactly in this that they can sing, We serve a ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 living) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Savior ? ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.18|AUTODETECT|” It was through his death that Jesus conquered death. Having done so, he was able to say to John, an exile on the island of Patmos, I was dead, but behold I am alive forevermore, and I hold the keys of Death and Hades 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.18|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 1:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.27|AUTODETECT|” Very significant is the expression, He died to sin once for all. This surely implies that the blood and body of Christ cannot be offered again. Jesus offered himself once for all for the sins of his people 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.27|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 7:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.18|AUTODETECT|” ; see also 9:12; 10:10). No second offering is necessary or even possible! For this once-for-all self-sacrifice see also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.18|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 3:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” Christ s life on earth before his death was conditioned by sin, sin not his own but his people s. Read ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|” . Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 20:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:45) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.4|AUTODETECT|” Therefore, once sin had been atoned for, he now lives to God. Of course, his entire life, also that which preceded Golgotha, had been devoted to the glory of his heavenly Father. In his high-priestly prayer he was able to say, I glorified thee on earth, having accomplished the work thou gavest me to do 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.4|AUTODETECT|” John 17:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But once this task had been accomplished, he was able to live to God ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in an unhampered manner,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that is, without having to carry the burden of his people s sin. It is in that sense that Paul is able to say, But the life he lives, he lives to God. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 In a sense but only ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in a sense) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.5|AUTODETECT|” one might say, After his resurrection and ascension Jesus returned to the life with the Father as it had been before he left the riches and the glories of heaven to suffer for man s sin. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.5|AUTODETECT|” John 17:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Scripture does not tell us much about that life. Here are a few glimpses: ) 6 10 2 8 0 0 When he established the heavens, I was there; ) When he set a circle upon the face of the deep. ) When he made firm the skies above, ) When the fountains of the deep became strong, ) When he gave to the deep its boundary, ) That the waters should not transgress his commandment, ) When he marked out the foundations of the earth; ) Then I was at his side as a master craftsman; ) And I was daily his delight, ) Rejoicing always in his presence. ) 13 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.8.27-20.8.30|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 8:27 30) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 0 If) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 this refers to Christ, the Wisdom of God, the reference is indirect. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was face to face with God, and the Word was God. He himself was in the beginning face to face with God. ) 13 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.1|AUTODETECT|” John 1:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.2|AUTODETECT|”

6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 & he was rich & ) 13 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 8:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 We should bear in mind, however, that there was at least this difference between ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 then) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (the time before Christ s humiliation) and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 now) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.25|AUTODETECT|” (after his humiliation): he returned to heaven carrying with him the merits of his fully accomplished redemption! Thus it is that the life he now lives he lives to God; not, however, forgetting his people; note ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=58.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 7:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 9 1 2 8 0 0

So then you yourselves should also consider yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.4|AUTODETECT|” At this point doctrine makes way for exhortation. What has been established, namely, that believers are in principle dead to sin and alive to Christ, must become the abiding conviction of their hearts and minds, the take-off point for all their thinking, planning, rejoicing, speaking, doing. They must constantly bear in mind that they are no longer what they used to be. Their lives from day to day must show that they have not forgotten this. They are in Christ : chosen in him 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ), redeemed in him 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” ), living in him 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.12|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 3:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Christ s righteousness has been imputed to them. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 His Spirit has been poured out into their hearts.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.14|AUTODETECT|” In a sense it is true that when Christ died, they died with him. When he arose, they arose with him. Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.14|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 5:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.15|AUTODETECT|”

6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.11|AUTODETECT|” What may well be the best commentary on ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.11|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 6:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.1-51.3.4|AUTODETECT|” is Paul s own: If then you were raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. On the things that are above set your minds, not on the things that are upon the earth. For you died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ (who is) our life is manifested, you also will be manifested with him in glory 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.1-51.3.4|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:1 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 9 1 2 8 0 0

Accordingly, do not let sin reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Although it is true that believers are no longer constantly living in sin, this does not mean that sin has ceased to be an opposing force in their lives, a reality to be taken into account. See 7:14f. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.13.14|AUTODETECT|” No one acquainted with the story of David would deny that he was indeed a child of God; in fact, a man after God s own heart 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.13.14|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 13:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In ever so many ways Scripture proves this point.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9”

6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Nevertheless, at times he allowed sin to bear sway in his mortal body.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� And David is no exception. It is therefore understandable that the apostle urges believers constantly to be on guard against this great danger of surrendering to evil passions, passions which, as also in the case of David, are often associated with the body and its functions, a body which, in man s fallen state, tends toward sin and death 7 1 -1 9 0 0 mortal) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 bodies).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Paul becomes more specific as he continues, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0

And do not offer the parts of your bodies to sin, as weapons of wickedness, but instead offer yourselves to God, as those who were brought from death to life, and offer your bodily parts to him; as weapons of righteousness.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 What Paul means by parts of your bodies is made clear by such passages as 12:4, 5, where these parts are clearly bodily ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 members;) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.12-46.12.24|AUTODETECT|” while ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.12-46.12.24|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 12:12 24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 makes specific mention of such bodily parts as foot, hand, ear, eye, nose , head, unpresentable parts and presentable parts of a person s body. The expression parts of your bodies therefore refers to bodily limbs, members, and organs. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 What Paul is saying then is this, Do not continue to put your bodily parts at the disposal of sin, as weapons of wickedness. Stop doing this; and instead, right now, completely and decisively, put yourselves at ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 God s) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 disposal. Offer yourselves to him! ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12”

6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Note also the distinction between (a) Do not offer ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the parts of your bodies) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and (b) offer ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 yourselves,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 instead of (b) offer those bodily parts. Devotion and consecration to God must be personal, wholehearted. Was it not God who, in his great love and kindness, had brought these people out of death into life? ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Instead of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 weapons) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 many prefer ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 instruments) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 tools) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 implements) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 .��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref13 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Though something can be said in favor of that rendering, the arguments in support of the rendering ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 weapons) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 are probably stronger: ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 a. In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 all) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the other instances of the use of this word in the New Testament E�� means ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 weapons, armor) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.3|AUTODETECT|” . See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.3|AUTODETECT|” John 18:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.12|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.7|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 6:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.4|AUTODETECT|” 10:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.13|AUTODETECT|” b. Here in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 6:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the context also points in that direction. Sin (personified) is pictured here as the dictator who demands military service, exacts soldierly obedience, and provides soldier s rations. See verses 12, 14, and 23.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref14 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14”
6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.7|AUTODETECT|” c. The description of a believer s life under the symbolism of a soldier is typically Pauline. See such passages as the following: ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.7|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.7|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 6:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.10-49.6.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.10-49.6.20|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:10 20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.8|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.3|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; etc. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 The whole includes the parts. When individuals offer themselves to God, their bodily parts constitute a portion of this offering. Result: weapons of righteousness replace weapons of wickedness. This ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 righteousness) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.13|AUTODETECT|” indicates uprightness of conduct, the very opposite of wickedness. Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.13|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 The reason Paul gives for this exhortation is: ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0

For sin shall no longer be lord over you, because you are not under law but under grace.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Law is able to do many things: it commands, demands, rebukes, condemns, restrains, even points away from itself to Another. There is, however, one thing law can never do. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 It cannot save) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.16|AUTODETECT|” . By law-works will no flesh be justified 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.16|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.3|AUTODETECT|” ). Does this mean then that the exhortations directed to believers in verses 12 and 13 are useless? Does it mean that everyone has to perish in his sins? The answer is found in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.3|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , and it is an encouraging answer indeed, in complete accord with the passage we are now considering. Note how despair is replaced by hope, darkness by light: For what the law was powerless to do & God did by sending his own Son & in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us & That sending of the Son is the very essence of God s grace. And this grace not only pardons but also cleanses. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Grace dethrones sin. It destroys sin s lordship and enables the believer to offer himself, and whatever pertains to him, in loving service to God!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The child of God is able to do this because he is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 not under law but under grace,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.10-48.3.14|AUTODETECT|” since in his infinitely condescending love and mercy Christ has redeemed him from the curse of the law, having become a curse for him 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.10-48.3.14|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:10 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Truly, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (8:1). The context may well imply an even closer connection with the thought of 7:1 6. See on that passage, and note especially in order that we might bear fruit for God & so that we serve in newness of (the) Spirit. Cf. 8:5, 6. ) 6 5 2 8 0 0 2b. Who is Your Master? Sin or God? ) But now, freed from sin and made servants of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is life everlasting. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is life everlasting in Christ Jesus our Lord ) 6:15 23 ) 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Don t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey; whether of sin, leading to death, or of obedience, leading to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God: you were slaves of sin, but you wholeheartedly obeyed the pattern of teaching to which you were delivered; 18 and having been set free from sin, you have entered the service of righteousness. ) 19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh.

For just as formerly you enlisted your bodily parts in the service of impurity and lawlessness for the promotion of lawlessness, so now enlist them in the service of righteousness for the promotion of holiness. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21 What benefit did you then obtain? Things of which you are now ashamed, for their outcome is death! 22 But now, freed from sin and made servants of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is life everlasting. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is life everlasting in Christ Jesus our Lord. ) 9 1 2 8 0 0 15a. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 In verse 14 Paul had assured believers that they are not under law. (For explanation of this statement see on 7:1; pp. 214, 215.) Does that mean then that they are at liberty to sin? When the law, erroneously viewed as means of salvation, ceases to exist, does this imply that the law as standard of perfection, that is, as the expression of God s will for our lives, also ceases to exist and/or to operate, so that, as a result it is permissible to commit a sin here and a sin there?��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref15 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15” 176) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Not for a moment is Paul willing to grant even this concession to the antinomians. His answer is: ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 15b, 16. By no means! Don t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey; whether of sin, leading to death, or of obedience, leading to righteousness?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.34|AUTODETECT|” At this point the curt and decisive By no means of verse 2 returns. Sin has a tendency to enslave the sinner. The first time he lies, be may be horrified; the second time, only somewhat shaken; the third time lying seems far more natural and easy. At last the sin of telling untruths has him in its grasp. For other sins the story is similar. At last this person is living in sin, has become enslaved by it. See N.T.C. on ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.34|AUTODETECT|” John 8:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (Vol. II, p. 53). The result of this process, when continued to the end, is death. Cf. verse 23, and see also 5:12; 8:13. Paul does not specify whether he means physical, spiritual, or everlasting death. Is it reasonable to leave out any of these? ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.15.22|AUTODETECT|” The opposite of sin is obedience, namely, to God. This leads to righteousness, both of state and condition. Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.15.22|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 15:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.3|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.20-59.2.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.20-59.2.24|AUTODETECT|” James 2:20 24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 What the apostle is saying, then, is this: no man is free, in the sense of being absolutely independent, his own boss. He has a Master. That Master is either Sin or God. ) 9 1 2 8 0 0 17, 18. But thanks be to God: you were slaves of sin, but you wholeheartedly obeyed the pattern of teaching to which you were delivered; and having been set free from sin, you have entered the service of righteousness.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref16 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16” 177) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 Note the following: ) a. Thanks be to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 God!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul does not praise the Roman church for having turned to God; he ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 thanks God) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.57|AUTODETECT|” for having brought them where they are today. See also 7:25; and cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.57|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:57) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.2.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.2.14|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 2:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.16|AUTODETECT|” 8:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” 9:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.9|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.10|AUTODETECT|” . Nevertheless, he also generously acknowledges that these people wholeheartedly, that is, not merely formally but with zeal, had obeyed the pattern of teaching, that is, the gospel or sound doctrine, as it was being proclaimed everywhere in the Christian community, both now and later 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.10|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.1.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.1.13|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 1:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.3|AUTODETECT|” 4:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Titus 1:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.1|AUTODETECT|” 2:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref17 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17” 178) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 b. (the pattern) to which you were delivered. ) There are those who consider But you & delivered to be a ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 gloss) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (unauthentic insertion), and that Paul simply dictated the words, You were slaves of sin, but you have been set free. But anyone who has devoted years to the study of Paul s epistles knows that if this reasoning were correct, one would have to find hundreds of glosses in these writings. The apostle s sentence structure is often rather involved. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Paul does not say, & the pattern of teaching ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 which you accepted,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 but 7 1 -1 9 0 0 God) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) to which you were delivered. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref18 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18” 179) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 3 2 8 0 0 c. and having been set free from sin, you have entered the service of righteousness. ) For the believer freedom never means laziness. It always means opportunity for rendering service. Notice that slaves to sin enjoy (?) liberty not worthy of the name (see verse 20). On the contrary, those who have entered the service of righteousness enjoy true liberty, namely, freedom from sin; not, however, in the sense that they never commit any sin, but in the sense that Sin is no longer their Master! ) Having stated that those who had accepted the gospel had exchanged their state of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 slavery to sin) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to that of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 service of righteousness,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul continues: ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 19. I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh, that is, your human nature.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref19 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19” 180) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 When Paul in verses 17, 18 spoke of those who had at one time been slaves of sin but had subsequently become servants of righteousness, he was, of course, using an illustration; namely, that of someone who had been transferred from one master to another. So now, in verse 19, he explains that the reason for the use of this illustration was their weakness to grasp these great spiritual truths. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.15|AUTODETECT|” The people whom Paul addresses had made remarkable progress, intellectual, moral, spiritual. For this see above, p. 25. But although this progress was encouraging, they were still far from having reached the goal of maturity. That is why Paul used this illustration, taken from familiar human relationships. Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.15|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . It frequently happened that a person enslaved to one master was transferred to another, whose slave or servant he would then become. What Paul desires, therefore, is that these Romans, having formerly been enslaved to their master Sin, will, with a commitment that is no less total, serve their new Master, namely, Righteousness, sin s opposite. Undoubtedly, reflecting on this apt illustration, would help them to do so. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Verse 19 continues as follows: ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 For just as formerly you enlisted your bodily parts in the service of impurity and lawlessness for the promotion of lawlessness, so now enlist them in the service of righteousness for the promotion of holiness.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 The thought of verse 13 reappears here in a slightly different form. Note the condition Just as formerly & , followed by the conclusion, so now & But this parallel includes an antithesis: former impurity and lawlessness are contrasted with ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the exhortation) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that those who had formerly practiced these vices should now enlist their bodily parts (as in verse 13) in the service of righteousness, for the promotion of holiness.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref20 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20” 181) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Note the emphasis here, and in this entire chapter, on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 holiness,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the attitude and manner of life that is opposed to sin and dedicated to the service of God. Moreover, as before, in verse 13, so also here, even the bodily parts participate in this active promotion of holiness. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 The reason for the exhortation of verse 19b, showing why this command is so necessary and urgent, is given in verses ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 20, 21. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you then obtain? Things of which you are now ashamed, for their outcome is death!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref21 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21” 182) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.24|AUTODETECT|” The meaning is clearly this: To be slaves of sin means to be enemies of righteousness; to be enemies of sin means to be friends of righteousness. To be devoted to both sin and righteousness at the same time is impossible. Compare the words of Jesus, No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and look down on the other 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.24|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.22|AUTODETECT|” As to the fruit or benefit those people formerly obtained from their slavery to sin, Paul says it consisted of things of which you are now ashamed. He was probably thinking of such things as evil thoughts leading to evil words, issuing in evil deeds, resulting in evil habits. Cf. 1:24f. In light of the gospel and of the worship of the one true God, who reveals himself in Jesus Christ, they are now ashamed of their former walk of life. No wonder, for the outcome or final result of such a course of behavior is death. Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.22|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.9|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 What a contrast between the past and the present! From the contemplation of the disgraceful conduct of the past Paul now, with joy and gratitude, turns to the description of the present: ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 22. But now, freed from sin and made servants of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is life everlasting.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 What a contrast! ) -60 3 0 0 2 0

TPF0 TRVTableSWT.ColorclNoneT.BorderLightColorclWindowTextT.CellBorderLightColorclWindowText T.OptionsrvtoEditing rvtoRowSizing rvtoColSizing rvtoRowSelect rvtoColSelectrvtoHideGridLinesT.TextRowSeparator T.TextColSeparator

T.BorderStyle rvtbColorT.BorderVSpacingT.BorderHSpacingT.VisibleBorders.Bottom T.CellPaddingT.CellBorderStyle rvtbColorT.CellVSpacing�T.CellHSpacing�CTDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data =9-8 1 3 2 6 1 2 8 0 0 Formerly bondage) TDc.BestWidthrc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 3/-8 1 3 2 6 1 2 8 0 0 Now freedom) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data IE-8 1 3 2 6 1 2 8 0 0 Formerly slaves of sin) TDc.BestWidthrc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data C?-8 1 3 2 6 1 2 8 0 0 Now servants of God) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 73-8 1 3 2 6 1 2 8 0 0 Formerly vice) TDc.BestWidthrc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 51-8 1 3 2 6 1 2 8 0 0 Now holiness) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 95-8 1 3 2 6 1 2 8 0 0 Formerly shame) TDc.BestWidthrc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ?;-8 1 3 2 6 1 2 8 0 0 Now peace of mind) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 95-8 1 3 2 6 1 2 8 0 0 Formerly death) TDc.BestWidthrc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ]Y-8 1 3 2 6 1 2 8 0 0 Now life, even life everlasting.) 6 1 2 8 0 0 The chapter ends with the unforgettably glorious sentence: ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 23. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is life everlasting in Christ Jesus our Lord.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 With this climactic conclusion compare similarly triumphant endings of chapters 8, 9, 12, 13, and 16. Note also how the contrasts of verse 22 are here continued. Here, in verse 23, the contrast is that between: ) -60 3 0 0 2 0

1 -TPF0 TRVTableSWT.ColorclNoneT.BorderLightColorclWindowTextT.CellBorderLightColorclWindowText T.OptionsrvtoEditing rvtoRowSizing rvtoColSizing rvtoRowSelect rvtoColSelectrvtoHideGridLinesT.TextRowSeparator T.TextColSeparator

T.BorderStyle rvtbColorT.BorderVSpacingT.BorderHSpacingT.VisibleBorders.Bottom T.CellPaddingT.CellBorderStyle rvtbColorT.CellVSpacing�T.CellHSpacing� rvcMiddlec.Data ‘#-8 1 3 2 6 1 2 8 0 0 wages) TDc.BestWidth&c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data #-8 1 3 2 6 1 2 8 0 0 and) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data /+-8 1 3 2 6 1 2 8 0 0 free gift) rvcMiddlec.Data ‘#-8 1 3 2 6 1 2 8 0 0 death) TDc.BestWidth&c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data #-8 1 3 2 6 1 2 8 0 0 and) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data =9-8 1 3 2 6 1 2 8 0 0 life everlasting) 6 2 2 8 0 0 The phrase wages of sin means wages paid by sin. Similarly free gift of God means free gift bestowed by God. ) Death in all its forms, physical, spiritual, everlasting, is what the sinner has earned by his sin. As to life everlasting, it is a gift, entirely free. O yes, it has been earned; not, however, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 by) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the sinner, but by Christ Jesus ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 for) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the sinner. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Whether the word ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 wages,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 as used here in 6:23, is a military term has been debated. It should be frankly admitted that at times the word is used in a non-military context. It is not surprising, therefore, that in view of the master-slave context (verse 16f.) it has been argued that here in verse 23 the apostle views sin as a slave-master, not as a general who provides soldier s rations. ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 This argument may, however, not be as strong as it may sound. Consider also these other facts: ) a. As is generally admitted, the word used in the original��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref22 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22” 183) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� indicates ration, pay; especially soldier s pay. That is the more usual meaning of the word. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 b. Even in the New Testament in two of its three other occurrences 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Soldiers) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.14|AUTODETECT|” too were asking, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.14|AUTODETECT|” Luke 3:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; What ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 soldier) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.7|AUTODETECT|” ever serves at his own expense? ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.7|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.8|AUTODETECT|” ) the military sense is clear. And even in the remaining passage where this word is used 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.8|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 11:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) Paul, who throughout his epistles frequently employs figures drawn from the life of the soldier, may very well be using a bold military metaphor. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Second Epistle to the Corinthians (New International Commentary)) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Grand Rapids, 1962, p. 385). ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 It would seem, therefore, that all in all the opinion that the word ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 wages) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 has here a military sense, so that Sin is viewed as the General who pays out these wages, has a slight edge. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 But the free gift of God is life everlasting. What a marvelous climax! What a comforting truth! The sinner who has fled to God in Christ for refuge receives the most for the least: life everlasting for nothing! ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.3|AUTODETECT|” Life everlasting; that is, fellowship with God in and through Christ Jesus 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.3|AUTODETECT|” John 17:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.6|AUTODETECT|” ); the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.6|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 4:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ); the love of God poured out into one s heart by the Holy Spirit; the peace of God that transcends all understanding 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), all this and far more forever and ever! All this is experienced in intimate union with Christ Jesus. Beautifully Paul closes the chapter with the language of faith-appropriation: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 our) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Lord! ) 9 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.0|AUTODETECT|” Practical Lessons Derived from ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.0|AUTODETECT|” Romans 6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 0 Verse 1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning in order that grace may increase? ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.36|AUTODETECT|” We are saved not by works but by grace. That was Paul s doctrine. His opponents reacted as follows, Since we are saved by grace, a grace that specializes in forgiving sin, let us sin all the more, in order that grace may abound. This misrepresentation was by no means innocent. It was an intentional, wicked distortion, a heartless mockery. Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.36|AUTODETECT|” Luke 23:36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.37|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.37|AUTODETECT|” 37) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.21|AUTODETECT|” . The distorters were guilty of lifting a few lines out of the totality of Paul s doctrine and basely twisting them. Unbiased study of the apostle s teaching shows that according to his inspired presentation justification by faith immediately implies living a life of gratitude, and therefore of holiness, to the glory of God Triune. In fact Paul places no less emphasis on consecrated living than on grace. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.7|AUTODETECT|” 2:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.3-45.5.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.3-45.5.5|AUTODETECT|” 5:3 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.12-45.6.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.12-45.6.14|AUTODETECT|” 6:12 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ch. 12; 13:10 14; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.0|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.22-48.5.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.22-48.5.24|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:22 24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8-49.2.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8-49.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:8 10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.1-44.17.7|AUTODETECT|” The later history of the church furnishes many other examples of willful distortion of a preacher s words. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.1-44.17.7|AUTODETECT|” Acts 17:1 7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . How often has not Calvin s doctrine been misrepresented as if it were totally devoid of the milk of human kindness? Congregations should be warned against this evil. ) 7 1 2 8 0 0 Verse 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 So then we were buried with him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. ) Easter Sunday had arrived. As usual on that day, the church was crowded. But not a word was said about Christ s physical resurrection. Of course, in a liberal church what else could one expect? But even in conservative preaching, where the resurrection of the Savior is clearly proclaimed and is even presented as the basis for the hope and certainty of the believers resurrection, is it always made clear to the congregation that a further and equally important purpose of our Lord s glorious triumph over death was so we might walk in newness of life ? ) 7 1 2 8 0 0 Verse 12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Accordingly, do not let sin reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. This passage shows that true theology is a matter not merely of doctrine but also of life. It does not confine itself to the revelation of that which God has done for us, though that is basic. It also stresses what we, by his grace and power, should do in return. It not only ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 teaches) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 but also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 pleads) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 lovingly and earnestly. ) 7 1 2 8 0 0 Verse 17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 But thanks be to God: you were slaves of sin, but you & have entered the service of righteousness. Note how in chapter 6 doctrinal ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 exposition) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (verses 1 10), ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 exhortation) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (verses 11 16 for the most part), and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 encouragement) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (verse 17) follow each other: an example for all of us. ) 7 1 2 8 0 0 Verse 23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is life everlasting in Christ Jesus our Lord. ) The choice is between these two: death and life. Though, to be sure, Scripture recognizes degrees of punishment and of glory, there is no neutral territory between death and life. Moreover, for rational beings there is no opportunity to avoid making a choice. And the contrast between the two destinies is immeasurable. Therefore this passage is so very important. The right choice should be made. It should, moreover, by the grace of God, be renewed every day. ) 7 1 2 8 0 0 Summary of Chapter 6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Justification, the basic blessing for every sinner who places his trust in Christ, implies union with the Savior, a union with him not only in his death but also in his resurrection. For if we have become united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like this. Now being partakers of Christ s resurrection implies ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 holiness,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 for it was the risen and exalted Christ who poured out upon the church his Holy Spirit, the Spirit of sanctification. ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 This means, of course, that those people who tried to use the doctrine of justification by faith as an excuse for leading a sinful life were dangerous heretics. Their slogan, Let us go on sinning in order that grace may increase, was an inexcusable and horrible distortion of the doctrine proclaimed by Paul. Therefore he exhorts the members of the Roman church as follows, Do not allow sin to reign in your mortal bodies & but offer yourselves to God, as those who were brought from death to life, and offer your bodily parts to him, as weapons of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be lord over you, because you are no longer under law but under grace (verses 1 14). ) The sinister character of the antinomian heresy fills the soul of the apostle with such horror that for the moment he does not stop to give a further explanation of the statement, You are no longer under sin but under grace. He will, however, return to that subject a little later. See 7:1 f.; 8:1 f.

For the present he continues to combat the soul-destroying heresy to which reference was made. He now points out that not only the sinful ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 life) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 should be avoided but so should even yielding to individual sins, for they have a tendency to make slaves out of those who fail to combat them. If allowed to gain the mastery over a person, they will lead him on to death. Paul is happy to be able to state, however, that those whom he addresses have abandoned their slavery to sin. They have exchanged death for life everlasting. He closes this chapter by saying, For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is life everlasting in Christ Jesus our Lord (verses 15 23). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 163 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Literally: in the likeness of his death & (in the likeness) of his resurrection. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 164 ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 Note e�� & �U��, just as & so we too. The parallel is, however, one of analogy, not identity. Christ s resurrection was physical; the believer s resurrection here indicated is spiritual. It concerns newness of life. Also, the first is the cause of the second. ) Note also ��. In this case the full, distinctive meaning must probably be assigned to the implied �� (not here ��). The emphasis is on quality, not time. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 165 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 There are those who believe that the expression buried with him through baptism into death & raised from the dead shows that baptism should be by immersion. For a defense of this view see A. T. Robertson s article on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Baptism) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , I.S.B.E., Vol. I, pp. 385 388. For the opposite view see John Murray, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Christian Baptism) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Philadelphia, 1952, especially pp. 29 33. On two points there should be agreement: ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 a. Immersion is indeed an entirely proper and beautifully symbolic mode of adult baptism. ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.3|AUTODETECT|” b. In ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.3|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 6:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.4|AUTODETECT|” 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.11|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) Paul s chief topic is not ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the proper mode of baptism) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 but the effects of, and responsibility arising from, union with Christ. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 166 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Use of the future �� cannot save that erroneous theory. Is it not natural to think of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 newness) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of life in future terms? ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 167 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Whether �� is derived from ��, which seems probable, and therefore basically means ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 grown together;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or from ��, hence ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 planted together,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 makes little difference. What matters most is not the derivation of the word but its resultant connotation ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in the present context,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 namely, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 united) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . On this see also Cranfield, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Vol. I, pp. 306, 307. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 11 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref6” N.T.C. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 W. Hendriksen, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New Testament Commentary) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 168 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See S.BK., Vol. III, p. 232. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 169 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 I agree, accordingly, with Cranfield, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.7|AUTODETECT|” Vol. I, p. 311, that the rabbinic rule to which reference was made is singularly inappropriate as a confirmation of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.7|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 6:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 170 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See my ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Survey of the Bible) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 98 101. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref10” 171 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 On this point, therefore, I share Cranfield s criticism of Murray s exegesis; see Murray, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 226, 227; Cranfield, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 316, 317. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 172 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Almost all translations have retained the word ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 body) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 7 1 -1 9 0 0 bodies) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 because the apostle is addressing more than one person; so also R.S.V., Phillips, Williams, Beck, etc.) here in verse 12. Calvin 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 230) thinks the reference is to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 man s degenerate state;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Cranfield translates ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 mortal selves) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 296, 316, 317). Hodge 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 319) would retain body as the organ in which sin manifests itself; so would Lange 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 209). ) 6 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.1|AUTODETECT|” The choice is difficult, perhaps due to the almost infinitely close relationship between soul and body. In ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 12:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.20|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the word �� seems to refer to the entire personality. But, as Murray reminds us 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.10|AUTODETECT|” p. 227) it is possible that body here in 6:12 is viewed in contrast with spirit, as it is in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.10|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , and if that be true the rendering ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 body) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 7 1 -1 9 0 0 bodies) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) also here in 6:12 would be correct. To this I would add that the rendering bodies also harmonizes better with parts of bodies in verse 13. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 173 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 By means of this explanation I have tried to bring out the distinction between the continuative present imperative �� and the aorist imperative ��, forms, respectively, of �� (late form) and �� (original form of the same verb). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref13” 174 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Nearly all modern, and even many of the older ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 translators) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 favor instruments or a close synonym as the equivalent of the original E��. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Commentators) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (both English and other), on the other hand, prefer a more distinctly military term; for example, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 weapons) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . So Barth, Brunner, Denney, Lange, Lekkerkerker, Lightfoot, Meyer, Ridderbos, Sanday and Headlam, Schlatter, Van Leeuwen and Jacobs, Wilson. Among English ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 translations) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in support of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 weapons) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 are: Phillips, Montgomvery 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The New Testament in Modern English) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In support of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 weapons) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 are also the following translations: Dutch (both old and new), German, Swedish, Frisian. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref14” 175 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Whether the word wages in verse 23 has this military connotation is not entirely certain. See on that verse. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 176 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Note difference between ��, 1st per. pl. pres. (continuative) subj. of �� in verse 1; and ��, aor. subj. of �� here in verse 15. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref16” 177 ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 Though many interpreters admit that the term �� and its verbal cognates (see verses 16 22) can be rendered ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 servant) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to render service,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 as well as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 slave) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to be enslaved,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 there is no unanimity with respect to the translation of these words in the verses indicated. Some throughout prefer ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 servant) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 render service) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 It is true that something can be said in favor of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 slave) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.23|AUTODETECT|” . In a sense even deeper than that which pertains to ordinary slaves and their earthly masters, believers have been bought with a price and are therefore owned by their Master 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.23|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.22|AUTODETECT|” 7:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), on whom they are completely dependent, and to whom they owe undivided allegiance. They are totally committed to him. If by thus defining the concept ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 doulos) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 its meaning were exhausted, and if our word ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 slave) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 conveyed nothing of a sinister nature, the translation ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 slave) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 throughout, for ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 doulos,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 might be unobjectionable. But as Paul uses the term, a ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 doulos,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in the spiritual sense, is one who ministers to the Lord with gladness of heart, in newness of spirit, and in the enjoyment of perfect ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 freedom,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 as verse 18 shows (cf. verse 22; 7:6), receiving from God a glorious reward (verses 22, 23). Love and good will toward God and man fill the heart of this ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 doulos) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.13|AUTODETECT|” . See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.13|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.7|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 However, with the English word ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 slave) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.16-45.6.22|AUTODETECT|” we immediately associate the ideas of involuntary service, forced subjection, and (frequently) harsh treatment. It is probably for this reason that, in addition to those who here in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.16-45.6.22|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 6:16 22) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 throughout prefer ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 servant,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 etc. (A.V., A.R.V., Phillips, Berkeley) and those who consistently use ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 slave,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 etc. (Goodspeed, R.S.V., N.A.S., N.I.V.), there are also those who, while not altogether avoiding ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 slave,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 etc., render verse 18b, & you have entered the service of righteousness, and verse 22 and having entered the service of God (thus, for example, Dutch Nieuwe Vertaling, & zijt gij in dienst gekomen van de gerechtigheid & en in den dienst van God gekomen. ). In the main, I have followed that same course. See also N.T.C. on Philippians, p. 110, footnote 92. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 178 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The word used in the original for pattern is �� (here acc. s. -�): visible impression, mark, image, pattern; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 type) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 179 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.4|AUTODETECT|” The verb ��, of which �� is a form (2nd per. pl. aor. indic. pass.), has a wide range of meanings, for which see N.T.C. on ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.4|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (p. 967). In the present case it probably has nothing to do with the authoritative passing down of tradition from one generation (or one witness) to the next, but simply means that the members of the Roman church had by God been transferred from one master to another. So also Cranfield, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Vol. I, p. 324. For the opposite view see Ridderbos, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 139, 140. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 180 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 For the various meanings of the word �� see footnote 187, on p. 217. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref20” 181 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Though some regard �� (here acc. s. -�) to mean ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 sanctification,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.3|AUTODETECT|” which is probably the meaning in such passages as ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.3|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 4:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.4|AUTODETECT|” 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.13|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.15|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 2:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.19|AUTODETECT|” , here in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.19|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 6:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 qualities) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 conditions) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of impurity and lawlessness are contrasted with those of righteousness and holiness. If the first pair does not indicate processes neither does the second. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref21” 182 ) 6 3 2 8 0 0 The proper punctuation of this verse is uncertain. If the first nine words (�� & & ��) must be construed as one continued question, which could be rendered, What fruit (or benefit) did you then obtain from the things of which you are now ashamed? the closing five words, for their outcome is death, do not follow naturally. By omitting �� from the translation the entire passage may become somewhat easier to read and understand. However, this too is no solution. Verse 21 seems to parallel verse 22, in the following manner: ) Verse 21 ) What ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 benefit?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Things of which you are now ashamed & their ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 outcome) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 death. ) 6 2 2 8 0 0 Verse 22 ) The ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 benefit) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 leads to holiness & & the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 outcome) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 life everlasting. ) 6 1 2 8 0 0 The best punctuation would therefore seem to be the one which does justice to this parallel construction, and which at the same time results in an intelligible interpretation of the entire verse. It is for these reasons that I have adopted the punctuation that appears in my translation. On the parallel between verses 21 and 22 see also Ridderbos, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 142; and on the resulting translation see Cranfield, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 321, 327, 328. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn22 10 1 2 8 0 “#_ftnref22” 183 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 @�� (here nom. pl. -�), from D��, cooked food, plus `��, to buy.)

New Testament Commentary (Baker)

William Hendriksen (1900–1982) was a Dutch-American Reformed theologian and professor at Calvin Theological Seminary. His New Testament Commentary series, later completed by Simon J. Kistemaker, covers the entire New Testament and is one of the most highly regarded Reformed commentary sets of the …

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Old Testament

New Testament

MAT MRK LUK JHN ACT ROM 1CO 2CO GAL EPH PHP COL 1TH 2TH 1TI 2TI TIT PHM HEB JAS 1PE 2PE 1JN 2JN 3JN JUD REV

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