What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
Read it in contextServants and their wages
Start reading at Romans 6:15 (Romans 6:15 to Romans 6:23).
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.
The second question about sin leads to the contrast between two forms of service and their outcomes, preserving the demand for obedience under grace.
6:15What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
6:16Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
6:17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
6:18Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
6:19I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
6:20For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
6:21What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
6:22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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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? Servants and their wages. Read Romans 6:15 through Romans 6:23 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The second question about sin leads to the contrast between two forms of service and their outcomes, preserving the demand for obedience under grace. 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 Servants and their wages (Romans 6:15 to Romans 6:23).
Start reading at Romans 6:15. 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
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 6
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
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.
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.
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
Auto-generated or draft outline, not yet reviewed.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.