FocusHope grounded in Christ's death
Connection to the wholePaul develops the results of justification, joining present suffering and hope with the love displayed in Christ's death for sinners.
interpretation Romans 5:1
KJVTherefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Read it in context
Peace and reconciliation
Start reading at Romans 5:1 (Romans 5:1 to Romans 5:11).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul develops the results of justification, joining present suffering and hope with the love displayed in Christ's death for sinners.
- 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
- 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
- 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
- 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
- 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
- 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
- 5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
- 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
- 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
- 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
- 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 4:1–5:21): Paul teaches the Roman believers, using Abraham and David as witnesses and Adam and Christ in his explanation. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Peace and reconciliation. Read Romans 5:1 through Romans 5:11 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul develops the results of justification, joining present suffering and hope with the love displayed in Christ's death for sinners. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes while planning further travel, including a visit to Rome. The letter does not supply a modern calendar date; reconstructions depend on comparing its travel notices with other texts. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The addressees are at Rome. Paul discusses other locations and travel plans, while the letter itself does not directly name the city where he is writing. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Peace and reconciliation (Romans 5:1 to Romans 5:11). Start reading at Romans 5:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter explains the gospel of Jesus Christ, baptism into His death, life in the Spirit, and hope of glory. Promises in Romans 8 address those in Christ and stand with the chapter's stated conditions. See Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Read the argument as a connected appeal to an addressed church. Keep obedience, continuing in God's goodness, and warnings against presumption visible when speaking of grace, inheritance, and assurance. interpretation
Cited: Romans 5:1, Romans 5:11, Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse, and Tertius names himself as the scribe.
Romans 1:1Romans 16:22
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- being Rom 5:9,18 Rom 1:17 Rom 3:22,26-28,30 Rom 4:5,24-25 Rom 9:30 Rom 10:10 Hab 2:4 John 3:16-18
- we have Rom 5:10 Rom 1:7 Rom 10:15 Rom 14:17 Rom 15:13,33 Job 21:21 Ps 85:8-10 Ps 122:6
- through Rom 6:23 John 20:31 Eph 2:7
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 5
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions.
Romans 1:1 Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4 Romans 8:9
Adam and Christ
Romans 5:12–21FocusThe reach of sin and grace
Connection to the wholeThe comparison explains the significance of Christ's obedience against the background of Adam's offense and prepares the question about continuing in sin.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4
Opening and theme
Romans 1:1–17FocusThe gospel and faith
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
interpretation The need for righteousness
Romans 1:18–3:20FocusSin and accountability
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
interpretation FocusFaith, grace, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
interpretation Newness of life
Romans 6:1–8:39FocusBaptism, service, and life in the Spirit
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
interpretation Israel and the Gentiles
Romans 9:1–11:36FocusPromise, faith, and mercy
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
interpretation Living out God’s mercies
Romans 12:1–15:13FocusService, love, and mutual care
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
interpretation Ministry and closing
Romans 15:14–16:27FocusPlans, greetings, and final exhortation
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.