Romans 5:17
Verse
Context
Death in Adam, Life in Christ
16Again, the gift is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment that followed one sin brought condemnation, but the gift that followed many trespasses brought justification.17For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive an abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Death reigned by one - Death is here personified, and is represented as reigning over the human race; and death, of course, reigns unto death; he is known as reigning, by the destruction of his subjects. Shall reign in life - Those who receive, retain, and improve the abundant grace offered by Jesus Christ, shall be redeemed from the empire of death, and exalted to the throne of God, to live and reign with him ever, world without end. See Rev 1:5, Rev 1:6; Rev 2:7, Rev 2:10, Rev 2:11; Rev 3:21. If we carefully compare Rom 5:15 with Rom 5:17, we shall find that there is a correspondence between περισσειαν, the abounding, Rom 5:17, and επερισευσε hath abounded, Rom 5:15; between της δωρεας της δικαιοσυνης, the gift of righteousness, i.e. justification, Rom 5:17, and ἡ δωρεα εν χαριτι, the gift by grace, Rom 5:15; therefore, if we understand the abounding of grace, and the gift of justification, Rom 5:17, we shall understand the grace of God, and the gift by grace which hath abounded unto the many, Rom 5:15. But the abounding of grace, and the gift of justification, Rom 5:17, is that grace and gift which is Received by those who shall reign in eternal life. Reigning in life is the consequence of receiving the grace and gift. Therefore, receiving the grace is a necessary qualification on our part for reigning in life; and this necessarily implies our believing in Christ Jesus, as having died for our offenses, receiving the grace so freely offered us; using the means in order to get more grace, and bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit. Receive must here have the same sense as in Mat 13:20 : He heareth the word, and anon with joy Receiveth it. Joh 1:12 : But as many as Received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God. Joh 3:11 : Ye Receive not our witness. - See also Joh 3:32, Joh 3:33. Joh 5:43 : I am come in my Father's name, and ye Receive me not. Joh 12:48 : He that Receiveth not my words. Joh 13:20 : He that receiveth whomsoever I send, Receiveth me. Joh 14:17 : The Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot Receive. Joh 17:8 : I have given them the words which thou gavest me; and they have Received them. In all these passages it is evident that receiving and not receiving imply improving or not improving.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For if by--"the" one man's offence death reigned by one--"through the one." much more shall they which receive--"the" abundance of grace and of the gift of--justifying righteousness . . . reign in life by one Jesus Christ--"through the one." We have here the two ideas of Rom 5:15 and Rom 5:16 sublimely combined into one, as if the subject had grown upon the apostle as he advanced in his comparison of the two cases. Here, for the first time in this section, he speaks of that LIFE which springs out of justification, in contrast with the death which springs from sin and follows condemnation. The proper idea of it therefore is, "Right to live"--"Righteous life"--life possessed and enjoyed with the good will, and in conformity with the eternal law, of "Him that sitteth on the Throne"; life therefore in its widest sense--life in the whole man and throughout the whole duration of human existence, the life of blissful and loving relationship to God in soul and body, for ever and ever. It is worthy of note, too, that while he says death "reigned over" us through Adam, he does not say Life "reigns over us" through Christ; lest he should seem to invest this new life with the very attribute of death--that of fell and malignant tyranny, of which we were the hapless victims. Nor does he say Life reigns in us, which would have been a scriptural enough idea; but, which is much more pregnant, "We shall reign in life." While freedom and might are implied in the figure of "reigning," "life" is represented as the glorious territory or atmosphere of that reign. And by recurring to the idea of Rom 5:16, as to the "many offenses" whose complete pardon shows "the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness," the whole statement is to this effect: "If one man's one offense let loose against us the tyrant power of Death, to hold us as its victims in helpless bondage, 'much more,' when we stand forth enriched with God's 'abounding grace' and in the beauty of a complete absolution from countless offenses, shall we expatiate in a life divinely owned and legally secured, 'reigning' in exultant freedom and unchallenged might, through that other matchless 'One,' Jesus Christ!" (On the import of the future tense in this last clause, see on Rom 5:19, and Rom 6:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one,.... It may be rendered, "by one offence death reigned by one"; for it was the single sin of Adam, the first sin that was committed by him, which gave death its reigning power over the sons of men: "Adam, say (f) the Jewish doctors, transgressed, , one commandment of the law,'' and was the cause of death to himself, and to all the world. These words are a repetition, with a further explanation, of Rom 5:15; there it is said, "through the offence of one many be dead"; here "by one man's offence", or "by one offence, death reigned by one"; in which death is represented as a mighty monarch, a powerful king; and designs not only corporeal death, which has mounted the throne by sin, and is supported in its dominion by an ordinance of heaven; but also a moral or spiritual death, which has seized on all mankind, and reigns in every power and faculty of the soul of man; and likewise an eternal one, which will have power over all those, who have no part in the first resurrection: in Rom 5:15, "the grace of God, and the gift by grace", are said to "abound unto many"; here they are said to receive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness: by abundance of grace is designed, either something distinct from the justifying righteousness of Christ; such as the abundant grace and mercy of God, in regeneration and conversion; the various graces of the Spirit then implanted; the many things then wrought in the heart; the large discoveries! of pardoning grace, and the abundance of the love of God shed abroad in the soul by the Spirit: or rather the same with "the gift of righteousness", because of the large display of the grace of God in it; by which "righteousness" is meant, not righteousness or holiness infused into us; but the righteousness of Christ, which is a free grace gift, and is enjoyed in a way of receiving; which denotes the act of faith, and supposes giving; and hence there is no room for boasting, but great reason for thankfulness: now such persons who have received this abundant grace and free gift, shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ; in corporeal life, they are not now subject to death as a penal evil, as other persons are, and though they die this death, they will triumph over it in the resurrection morn, they will rise again to everlasting life; they reign now in spiritual life over sin, Satan, and the world; and they will reign in eternal life, they will sit on thrones, wear crowns, and possess a kingdom of glory for ever and ever; and all by and through one, Jesus Christ, and not on account of any works, or merits of theirs. (f) Zohar in Num. fol. 52. 1. Vid. Caphtor, fol. 102. 1. supra citat.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:17 Both Adam and Jesus Christ committed a single act whose influence extends to all the people that they represent. Adam represents all people. People must receive the gift of righteousness to be represented by Christ.
Romans 5:17
Death in Adam, Life in Christ
16Again, the gift is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment that followed one sin brought condemnation, but the gift that followed many trespasses brought justification.17For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive an abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Scenes From Resurrection - Part 2
By F.J. Huegel1.9K51:32LUK 4:18ROM 5:17In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young man who witnessed a humble washerwoman's clothes shining brightly in the sunlight. However, a truck loaded with coal carelessly drove through the clothes, causing the young man to question if the Lord can work quickly. The speaker then emphasizes the power of giving away the Lord Jesus Christ and how it surpasses any earthly riches. They also highlight the authority of Christians, which is greater than that of earthly kings. The sermon concludes with a reminder that when we come to the end of ourselves and fully surrender to Christ, great things can happen.
Adamic Administration - Promise in the Adamic Administration
By John Murray1.6K42:38AdamicGEN 2:17ROM 3:20ROM 4:4ROM 5:17ROM 6:23GAL 2:21EPH 2:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the tree of life in the Adamic administration. They suggest that the tree of life served a purpose similar to the sacraments in the economies of covenant grace. It would have been sacrilege for Adam to partake of the tree of life after he had sinned, as it would have violated the divine order. The speaker also explores the idea that the tree of the knowledge of good and evil may hold the key to understanding the tree of life. They propose that the knowledge of good and evil could describe the alternative of the probation choice.
Only One Way to Attain Righteousness
By Tim Conway1.6K09:26PSA 119:172ISA 64:6MAT 7:23ROM 3:22ROM 5:17ROM 9:331CO 1:30PHP 3:9This sermon emphasizes the personal righteousness of Christ for every believer, highlighting that God's acceptance into heaven is not based on dropping the standard but on Christ meeting the standard. It discusses how God's mercy fulfills His justice for believers, removing their sin debt and showering them with righteousness. The sermon warns against stumbling over Christ due to self-righteousness and emphasizes the necessity of merit through Jesus Christ for salvation.
Death of Life in the Emotions (Romans 5:17b)
By Ernest O'Neill1.5K23:49Life in the SpiritEmotional BalanceGEN 3:8PSA 34:18ISA 26:3JHN 14:27ROM 5:172CO 12:2GAL 5:22EPH 4:23PHP 4:71PE 5:7Ernest O'Neill discusses the transmission of emotional traits from Adam to humanity, emphasizing that while physical and mental traits can be inherited, moral and emotional qualities are influenced by environment and example. He explains that Adam's choice to live independently from God led to a deterioration of mind, body, and emotions, which has been passed down to us, resulting in unbalanced emotions and a sense of dissatisfaction. O'Neill highlights that through Jesus, we have the opportunity to receive the Holy Spirit, which can restore our emotional balance and provide true satisfaction. He encourages believers to choose life in Jesus, which brings peace and joy, rather than living in the death of unfulfilled emotional needs. Ultimately, he calls for a relationship with God that transforms our emotional state and leads to a fulfilling life.
Righteousness Imputed and Imparted
By Bill McLeod1.4K40:38RighteousnessNUM 32:23PSA 90:8PSA 139:23PRO 5:22PRO 14:14ISA 30:1ROM 5:17In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a woman who felt restless and missed her husband when he was gone. She couldn't sleep and in her desperation, she knelt by the bed and surrendered herself to God. The speaker emphasizes the power of seeing the hands of Jesus, which can break a person and lead them to surrender their all to Him. The sermon also highlights the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and how God could not look upon Him because of the sin He bore. The speaker encourages listeners to fully commit their lives to God and seek Him with all their hearts.
Let Go and Let God
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.4K14:17Trusting GodGEN 45:16GEN 45:23GEN 45:26PRO 3:5ISA 45:3MAT 6:33ROM 5:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the discovery of atomic power and energy, which poses a threat to civilization but also promises abundance for all. He highlights the simple formula E=mc^2 as the key to this discovery. However, he introduces another simple formula, "let go, let gone," which opens the treasury of heaven to those who embrace it. The preacher uses the story of Jacob's disbelief and eventual joy upon learning that his son Joseph was alive to illustrate the importance of letting go and embracing the promises of God.
Studies in Romans-04
By William MacDonald1.3K32:54StudiesROM 5:6ROM 5:15ROM 5:17ROM 5:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unique and unparalleled act of divine love demonstrated by God. He explains that the average person would not willingly die for someone unworthy or morally upright but lacking affection. However, God's love is completely otherworldly, as He sent His beloved Son to die for us while we were still sinners. The preacher highlights the significance of Christ's death and resurrection, emphasizing that through His blood, we are justified and reconciled to God, and through His resurrection, we are delivered from wrath and preserved by His life. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the importance of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection in procuring our justification.
Overcoming Temptation
By Chuck Smith1.3K34:19PSA 119:11ROM 5:17ROM 12:1HEB 4:15JAS 1:2This sermon focuses on the topic of temptation, exploring how Jesus overcame temptations from Satan using the Scriptures and emphasizing the importance of knowing God's Word, considering the consequences of yielding to sin, seeking Jesus' help, and listening to the Holy Spirit. It highlights the ultimate consequences of yielding to sin versus overcoming temptation through faith in Jesus, who offers life abundantly. The message encourages believers to stand strong against temptation and find victory through Christ.
Warnock and Chad Stendal - 10-21-95 (Has a Few Missing Parts)
By George Warnock1.2K45:48SeminarGEN 15:6MAT 5:3ROM 5:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being vessels of mercy in the world. They highlight the need for songs of the Lord, songs of His grace and mercy, to be shared freely without copyright. The speaker also discusses the concept of waiting for God's appointed time, using the example of the vision that will come at the right moment. They encourage listeners to be patient and faithful in the midst of evil and darkness, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. The sermon references the story of Israel's deliverance from Egypt and the prophets' cries of "how long" as examples of God's timing and preparation.
Growing in the Grace of God #12 - a Covenant of Relationship Part 2
By Bob Hoekstra79640:35LUK 10:38ROM 5:17ROM 5:211CO 1:4EPH 1:32PE 1:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing God and drawing on His power and grace. The New Covenant allows believers to have an intimate relationship with God and access everything they need for life and godliness. The speaker encourages listeners to "taste and see" that the Lord is good, just as one would get to know chocolate ice cream by tasting it. The goal is to press on and know God better, as this is the surpassing value and the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Grace for Living
By Lewis Gregory73424:57GraceLUK 2:40ROM 5:17ROM 5:20ROM 6:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that grace is not just for salvation, but also for living a new and transformed life. He explains that Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's grace, came to show us how to live in relation to God the Father. The speaker highlights that true freedom and liberty come from living according to God's will and experiencing a superior way of life. He concludes by emphasizing that living in Christ enables us to live a godly life and access God's grace through faith.
Believers Are in Christ
By Tim Conway6891:06:17JHN 17:21ROM 5:17ROM 8:381CO 6:152CO 5:21EPH 1:1COL 3:4This sermon delves into the profound truths of being a saint, a believer, and being in Christ as highlighted in Ephesians 1. It emphasizes the positional reality, the surrounding nature, the spiritual union, and the representation union with Christ. The sermon encourages believers to grasp the depth of their union with Christ, the life, representation, and dynamic growth that comes from being in Him.
It Ends With Me! Breaking Bloodline Curses
By Vlad Savchuk28137:54Spiritual WarfareCursesGenerational CursesEXO 20:5EST 2:5EST 3:1EST 8:11PRO 3:33LUK 10:19ROM 5:17EPH 6:102TI 1:5JAS 4:7Vlad Savchuk delivers a powerful message on breaking generational curses, emphasizing that many struggles stem from ancestral demons that are passed down through family lines. He proclaims that the cycle of these curses can end with the current generation, encouraging listeners to take authority over their spiritual battles and not to pass on the burdens of their ancestors. Using the story of Esther and Mordecai, he illustrates the importance of confronting and defeating these generational issues through spiritual means rather than natural ones. Savchuk urges the congregation to recognize their identity as curse breakers and to dress in the armor of God, preparing for spiritual warfare against the enemy. Ultimately, he reassures that with faith and action, individuals can claim victory over the curses that have plagued their families for generations.
The Revelation of Grace (Rom. 5:17-21; 2 Cor. 5:17-21)
By Mike Bickle2458:19GraceIdentity in ChristROM 5:17Mike Bickle emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace, explaining that understanding and embracing the gift of righteousness is essential for believers to reign in life. He highlights that grace is not merely about forgiveness but encompasses a new identity and position before God, allowing believers to have confidence and victory over sin. Bickle encourages the congregation to engage with these truths in their prayer life and to resist the lies of the enemy that seek to undermine their confidence in God's acceptance. He stresses that the grace of God is a living revelation that empowers believers to overcome challenges and live in the fullness of their identity in Christ.
The Transforming Power of Grace, Part 1 (Rom. 6.14)
By Mike Bickle2045:25GraceTransformationJHN 1:16ROM 5:17ROM 6:14ROM 12:22CO 5:17GAL 5:1EPH 2:8PHP 4:13HEB 4:161JN 1:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace, urging believers to access it consistently for true change in their lives. He explains that transformation begins with renewing the mind to align with God's view of us, which leads to emotional and character changes. Bickle highlights that believers are no longer under the law but under grace, which empowers them to overcome sin and negative emotions. He encourages the congregation to declare God's truths over their lives, reinforcing their identity in Christ and the abundance of grace available to them. Ultimately, he reassures that through grace, believers can experience freedom and victory over sin.
Our Daily Homily - Romans
By F.B. Meyer0Justification and SanctificationRighteousnessROM 1:17ROM 2:15ROM 3:26ROM 4:20ROM 5:17ROM 6:13ROM 7:24ROM 8:26ROM 10:9ROM 12:1F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound significance of righteousness as revealed in Romans, explaining that it encompasses both our standing before God and our personal character. He distinguishes between forgiveness and justification, asserting that through Christ's finished work, believers are declared righteous and can claim the law's protection. Meyer highlights the role of conscience as God's judgment-seat within us and the necessity of yielding ourselves to God for true deliverance from sin. He encourages believers to feed their faith on God's promises and to present their bodies as living sacrifices, ultimately leading to a life of victory and service in Christ. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace the grace of God and the importance of unity in the body of Christ.
You Must Have What He Is (Life) to Be What He Was (Perfect)
By Major Ian Thomas0Christ's RighteousnessFaith and ObedienceJHN 15:5ROM 5:172CO 5:21GAL 2:20EPH 2:10PHP 1:6COL 1:27HEB 10:141PE 1:161JN 3:2Major Ian Thomas emphasizes that true godliness comes not from our ability to imitate God, but from His ability to reproduce Himself within us. He explains that righteousness is not self-generated but is a result of faith and dependence on God, allowing His divine action to restore us to His image. The sermon clarifies that while we cannot achieve sinless perfection, we can embody Christ's perfection to the extent that we allow Him to work in us. Thomas highlights the importance of a faith-love relationship with Christ, which enables us to access His fullness and live out our divine purpose. Ultimately, it is through Christ's activity in us that we can reign in life and reflect His glory.
How to Take,
By F.B. Meyer0Abundance in ChristReceiving ChristJHN 1:16ROM 5:17PHP 4:19COL 2:9F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of receiving Christ rather than merely praying for Him, illustrating that true faith involves taking in the fullness of Christ's presence and attributes. He recounts a transformative experience where he learned to ask Christ to embody qualities like patience and humility within him, rather than struggling against his shortcomings. Meyer encourages believers to focus on Jesus Himself, rather than their own faith or feelings, assuring them that Jesus is always present and ready to fill their needs. He highlights that true richness comes from having Jesus in one's heart, which leads to a life of abundance and rest. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a shift from striving to simply receiving the grace and fullness of Christ.
'life... Promised Before Times Eternal'
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual GrowthEternal LifeJHN 1:4ROM 5:17ROM 8:292CO 3:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is writing a spiritual biography of Jesus in the hearts of believers, starting from eternity rather than earthly beginnings. He explains that just as Jesus was born of God before time, so too are believers, linking them to eternal life and a new identity that transcends earthly origins. Sparks highlights the importance of understanding our spiritual journey as one that progresses through stages of infancy, childhood, and manhood, each marked by the governing factor of eternal life. He encourages believers to recognize their true home is in eternity, and that their spiritual growth involves both the joys and trials of life. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper appreciation of the profound truth of being born from above and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in shaping our lives to reflect Christ.
A Single Standard
By Charles William Butler0ROM 5:17EPH 4:241TH 5:231JN 2:11JN 3:9Charles William Butler preaches about the one standard of life for all Christians, emphasizing that holiness begins with genuine repentance and is maintained through obedience to God. He explains that true holiness involves both inward cleansing and outward righteous living, achieved through two works of grace - the first giving life and the second bringing health. Butler highlights the importance of seeking sanctifying grace, which saves from sin and prepares believers for final glory, stressing the need for faith, dependence on Christ's sacrifice, and surrender to God's will.
This Is the True Grace of God
By James Smith0ACT 14:3ROM 3:24ROM 5:17ROM 6:142CO 8:92CO 12:9EPH 1:72TI 1:9TIT 2:111PE 5:12James Smith preaches about the true grace of God, emphasizing that it is the free, sovereign, and eternal favor of God towards sinners in Christ. The Father chooses, the Son redeems, and the Spirit sanctifies those who are recipients of this divine grace, leading them to glory. True grace is different from human conceptions, as it is the root of holiness, brings faith, obedience, and consolation, and leads to a transformed life in communion with God.
Grace
By W.H. Griffith Thomas0PSA 84:11LUK 1:30JHN 1:16ACT 20:24ROM 5:17ROM 14:92CO 6:1EPH 2:8COL 4:61PE 1:13W.H. Griffith Thomas delves into the profound concept of 'Grace' in the Bible, emphasizing that it is the epitome of God's character and attitude towards humanity. Grace is defined as God's unmerited favor, freely given without conditions, generously bestowed, and continuously abiding. It encompasses forgiveness, joy, thanksgiving, and graciousness, ultimately leading to salvation and sanctification through Jesus Christ. The sermon explores the multifaceted nature of grace in God, in Christ, and in believers, highlighting its sovereign, satisfying, and sanctifying aspects, calling for a life that reflects God's grace and serves as a testimony to His love and mercy.
Following Paul
By Raymond Golsworthy0JHN 17:3ROM 5:171CO 9:24PHP 3:7COL 1:292TI 4:7HEB 12:1REV 22:12Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the importance of following godly examples, focusing on Paul's exhortation to the Philippians to be followers of him as he follows Christ. Paul emphasizes the need to renounce worldly gains and embrace Christ, to aspire to know Him deeply, and to concentrate on the spiritual race towards the eternal prize. The sermon highlights the significance of following together in fellowship, encouraging believers to commit to pursuing God's will collectively.
That Which Adam Lost
By Ausbund0ROM 5:172CO 5:17EPH 1:7COL 1:20Ausbund preaches about the restoration found in Christ, contrasting it with what Adam lost in the Garden of Eden. Through Christ, we regain what was lost, now beautifully adorned and clear, symbolizing redemption and renewal in Him.
(Secrets of Victory) 12. All-Sufficient Grace
By Zac Poonen0GraceVictory in ChristGEN 1:26ROM 5:172CO 9:82CO 12:9EPH 2:8HEB 4:16Zac Poonen emphasizes that the entirety of the Christian journey, from salvation to the final meeting with Christ, is rooted in grace and faith. He reassures believers that God's grace is sufficient for every challenge they face, encouraging them to approach the throne of grace with confidence to receive help in times of need. Poonen highlights that through humility and the reception of grace, believers can overcome sin, fear, and anxiety, ultimately living in victory as children of God. He reminds us that God's grace abounds, enabling us to reign in life and fulfill our God-given purpose. The sermon concludes with an invitation to embrace the promised land of grace that lies before us.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Death reigned by one - Death is here personified, and is represented as reigning over the human race; and death, of course, reigns unto death; he is known as reigning, by the destruction of his subjects. Shall reign in life - Those who receive, retain, and improve the abundant grace offered by Jesus Christ, shall be redeemed from the empire of death, and exalted to the throne of God, to live and reign with him ever, world without end. See Rev 1:5, Rev 1:6; Rev 2:7, Rev 2:10, Rev 2:11; Rev 3:21. If we carefully compare Rom 5:15 with Rom 5:17, we shall find that there is a correspondence between περισσειαν, the abounding, Rom 5:17, and επερισευσε hath abounded, Rom 5:15; between της δωρεας της δικαιοσυνης, the gift of righteousness, i.e. justification, Rom 5:17, and ἡ δωρεα εν χαριτι, the gift by grace, Rom 5:15; therefore, if we understand the abounding of grace, and the gift of justification, Rom 5:17, we shall understand the grace of God, and the gift by grace which hath abounded unto the many, Rom 5:15. But the abounding of grace, and the gift of justification, Rom 5:17, is that grace and gift which is Received by those who shall reign in eternal life. Reigning in life is the consequence of receiving the grace and gift. Therefore, receiving the grace is a necessary qualification on our part for reigning in life; and this necessarily implies our believing in Christ Jesus, as having died for our offenses, receiving the grace so freely offered us; using the means in order to get more grace, and bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit. Receive must here have the same sense as in Mat 13:20 : He heareth the word, and anon with joy Receiveth it. Joh 1:12 : But as many as Received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God. Joh 3:11 : Ye Receive not our witness. - See also Joh 3:32, Joh 3:33. Joh 5:43 : I am come in my Father's name, and ye Receive me not. Joh 12:48 : He that Receiveth not my words. Joh 13:20 : He that receiveth whomsoever I send, Receiveth me. Joh 14:17 : The Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot Receive. Joh 17:8 : I have given them the words which thou gavest me; and they have Received them. In all these passages it is evident that receiving and not receiving imply improving or not improving.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For if by--"the" one man's offence death reigned by one--"through the one." much more shall they which receive--"the" abundance of grace and of the gift of--justifying righteousness . . . reign in life by one Jesus Christ--"through the one." We have here the two ideas of Rom 5:15 and Rom 5:16 sublimely combined into one, as if the subject had grown upon the apostle as he advanced in his comparison of the two cases. Here, for the first time in this section, he speaks of that LIFE which springs out of justification, in contrast with the death which springs from sin and follows condemnation. The proper idea of it therefore is, "Right to live"--"Righteous life"--life possessed and enjoyed with the good will, and in conformity with the eternal law, of "Him that sitteth on the Throne"; life therefore in its widest sense--life in the whole man and throughout the whole duration of human existence, the life of blissful and loving relationship to God in soul and body, for ever and ever. It is worthy of note, too, that while he says death "reigned over" us through Adam, he does not say Life "reigns over us" through Christ; lest he should seem to invest this new life with the very attribute of death--that of fell and malignant tyranny, of which we were the hapless victims. Nor does he say Life reigns in us, which would have been a scriptural enough idea; but, which is much more pregnant, "We shall reign in life." While freedom and might are implied in the figure of "reigning," "life" is represented as the glorious territory or atmosphere of that reign. And by recurring to the idea of Rom 5:16, as to the "many offenses" whose complete pardon shows "the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness," the whole statement is to this effect: "If one man's one offense let loose against us the tyrant power of Death, to hold us as its victims in helpless bondage, 'much more,' when we stand forth enriched with God's 'abounding grace' and in the beauty of a complete absolution from countless offenses, shall we expatiate in a life divinely owned and legally secured, 'reigning' in exultant freedom and unchallenged might, through that other matchless 'One,' Jesus Christ!" (On the import of the future tense in this last clause, see on Rom 5:19, and Rom 6:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one,.... It may be rendered, "by one offence death reigned by one"; for it was the single sin of Adam, the first sin that was committed by him, which gave death its reigning power over the sons of men: "Adam, say (f) the Jewish doctors, transgressed, , one commandment of the law,'' and was the cause of death to himself, and to all the world. These words are a repetition, with a further explanation, of Rom 5:15; there it is said, "through the offence of one many be dead"; here "by one man's offence", or "by one offence, death reigned by one"; in which death is represented as a mighty monarch, a powerful king; and designs not only corporeal death, which has mounted the throne by sin, and is supported in its dominion by an ordinance of heaven; but also a moral or spiritual death, which has seized on all mankind, and reigns in every power and faculty of the soul of man; and likewise an eternal one, which will have power over all those, who have no part in the first resurrection: in Rom 5:15, "the grace of God, and the gift by grace", are said to "abound unto many"; here they are said to receive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness: by abundance of grace is designed, either something distinct from the justifying righteousness of Christ; such as the abundant grace and mercy of God, in regeneration and conversion; the various graces of the Spirit then implanted; the many things then wrought in the heart; the large discoveries! of pardoning grace, and the abundance of the love of God shed abroad in the soul by the Spirit: or rather the same with "the gift of righteousness", because of the large display of the grace of God in it; by which "righteousness" is meant, not righteousness or holiness infused into us; but the righteousness of Christ, which is a free grace gift, and is enjoyed in a way of receiving; which denotes the act of faith, and supposes giving; and hence there is no room for boasting, but great reason for thankfulness: now such persons who have received this abundant grace and free gift, shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ; in corporeal life, they are not now subject to death as a penal evil, as other persons are, and though they die this death, they will triumph over it in the resurrection morn, they will rise again to everlasting life; they reign now in spiritual life over sin, Satan, and the world; and they will reign in eternal life, they will sit on thrones, wear crowns, and possess a kingdom of glory for ever and ever; and all by and through one, Jesus Christ, and not on account of any works, or merits of theirs. (f) Zohar in Num. fol. 52. 1. Vid. Caphtor, fol. 102. 1. supra citat.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:17 Both Adam and Jesus Christ committed a single act whose influence extends to all the people that they represent. Adam represents all people. People must receive the gift of righteousness to be represented by Christ.