FocusWalking in newness of life
Connection to the wholePaul answers the misuse of grace by recalling baptism into Christ and calling his readers to present themselves to God rather than to sin.
interpretation Romans 6:13
KJVNeither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Read it in context
Baptized into Christ's death
Start reading at Romans 6:1 (Romans 6:1 to Romans 6:14).
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 answers the misuse of grace by recalling baptism into Christ and calling his readers to present themselves to God rather than to sin.
- 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
- 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
- 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
- 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
- 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
- 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
- 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
- 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
- 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
- 6:10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
- 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
- 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
- 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
- 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
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 6:1–8:39): Paul addresses believers in Rome, speaking of their baptism into Jesus Christ and life in the Spirit. These instructions and promises belong to his argument for people who belong to Christ. 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? Baptized into Christ's death. Read Romans 6:1 through Romans 6:14 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul answers the misuse of grace by recalling baptism into Christ and calling his readers to present themselves to God rather than to sin. 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 Baptized into Christ's death (Romans 6:1 to Romans 6:14). Start reading at Romans 6:1. 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 6:1, Romans 6:14, 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
- Neither Rom 6:16,19 Rom 7:5,23 1 Cor 6:15 Col 3:5 Jas 3:5-6 Jas 4:1
- instruments 2 Cor 10:4
- unrighteousness Rom 1:29 Rom 2:8-9 Deut 25:16 Isa 3:10-11 Isa 55:7 Ezek 18:4 1 Cor 6:9 2 Thess 2:12
- but yield Rom 12:1 2 Chr 30:8 Dan 3:28 1 Cor 6:20 2 Cor 8:5 Phil 1:20
- alive Rom 6:11 Luke 15:24,32 John 5:24 2 Cor 5:15 Eph 2:5 Eph 5:14 Col 2:13 1 Pet 2:24
- and your Ps 37:30 Prov 12:18 Jas 3:5-6
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 6
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
Servants and their wages
Romans 6:15–23FocusObedience and holiness
Connection to the wholeThe second question about sin leads to the contrast between two forms of service and their outcomes, preserving the demand for obedience under grace.
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 God’s provision in Christ
Romans 3:21–5:21FocusFaith, 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 FocusBaptism, 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.