Romans 5:17 Study Bible: For if by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; so much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ.

◄ Romans 5:17 ►

For 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!

Study Bible

For if, by the trespass of the one man
The phrase "by the trespass of the one man" refers to the sin of Adam, whose disobedience in the Garden of Eden brought sin and death into the world. The Greek word for "trespass" is "paraptōma," which implies a false step or deviation from the right path. This highlights the gravity of Adam's sin, which was not merely a mistake but a deliberate act of disobedience against God's command. Historically, this event is foundational in Christian theology, as it sets the stage for the need for redemption and the coming of Christ.

death reigned through that one man
"Death reigned" signifies the dominion and power that death held over humanity as a result of Adam's sin. The Greek word "basileuō" is used for "reigned," indicating a kingly rule. This paints a picture of death as a tyrant that has authority over all people. Theologically, this underscores the pervasive impact of sin, which brought both physical and spiritual death, separating humanity from God.

how much more will those who receive an abundance of grace
The phrase "how much more" introduces a contrast between the consequences of Adam's sin and the redemptive work of Christ. "Abundance of grace" refers to the overflowing, generous nature of God's grace, which is far greater than the effects of sin. The Greek word "perisseia" for "abundance" suggests a superabundance or excess, emphasizing that God's grace is more than sufficient to overcome the power of sin and death.

and of the gift of righteousness
The "gift of righteousness" is a central theme in Paul's theology, highlighting that righteousness is not earned but given freely by God through faith in Jesus Christ. The Greek word "dōrea" for "gift" underscores the unmerited nature of this righteousness. This righteousness restores the believer's relationship with God, allowing them to stand justified before Him.

reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ
"Reign in life" contrasts with the earlier "death reigned," indicating a new dominion for those in Christ. The Greek word "zōē" for "life" refers to both eternal life and the quality of life that believers experience now, characterized by a restored relationship with God. "Through the one man, Jesus Christ" emphasizes the centrality of Christ's redemptive work. Just as Adam's act brought death, Christ's obedience and sacrifice bring life and victory over sin. This highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, offering hope and assurance to believers that they are no longer under the tyranny of sin but are empowered to live victoriously through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Adam
The first man created by God, whose disobedience led to sin and death entering the world.

2. Jesus Christ
The Son of God, whose obedience and sacrifice brought grace and righteousness to humanity.

3. Death
A consequence of sin, which reigned over humanity due to Adam's trespass.

4. Grace
The unmerited favor of God, abundantly given through Jesus Christ.

5. Righteousness
The state of being morally right or justifiable, gifted to believers through faith in Jesus.

Teaching Points

The Reign of Death vs. the Reign of Life
Adam's sin brought death, but Jesus' obedience brings life. Believers are called to live in the reality of this new life.

Abundance of Grace
God's grace is not just sufficient; it is abundant. Believers should live with the assurance of God's overflowing grace in their lives.

The Gift of Righteousness
Righteousness is a gift, not earned by works. This should lead to humility and gratitude, motivating a life of obedience.

Reigning in Life
Through Jesus, believers are empowered to reign in life, overcoming sin and living victoriously.

The Importance of Receiving
The benefits of grace and righteousness are available to those who receive them. Active faith is necessary to embrace these gifts.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding Adam's role in the fall help us appreciate the work of Jesus Christ?

2. In what ways can believers experience the "abundance of grace" in their daily lives?

3. How does the concept of righteousness as a gift challenge or affirm your current understanding of salvation?

4. What does it mean to "reign in life" through Jesus, and how can this be practically applied in your personal walk with God?

5. How can the truths in Romans 5:17 encourage you to share the gospel with others, emphasizing the contrast between death through Adam and life through Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 3
Describes the fall of man through Adam's disobedience, introducing sin and death into the world.

1 Corinthians 15:21-22
Discusses the contrast between Adam and Christ, emphasizing resurrection and life through Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8-9
Highlights salvation by grace through faith, not by works, underscoring the gift of righteousness.

Hebrews 4:16
Encourages believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, receiving mercy and grace.

2 Corinthians 5:21
Explains the exchange of our sin for Christ's righteousness, affirming the gift of righteousness.

Sermons

Believers Receive in Christ More than They Lost in Adam	T. Robinson, D. D.	Romans 5:17
Individual Influence	J. Guest.	Romans 5:17
Overflowing Kindness and Blessing	T. Robinson, D. D.	Romans 5:17
The Reign of Death and the Reign in Life	J. Lyth, D. D.	Romans 5:17
The Reign of Death and the Reign in Life	Prof. Godet.	Romans 5:17
The Reign of Death and the Reign in Life	C. Bradley, M. A.	Romans 5:17
A Historical Parallel	J. Oswald Dykes, D. D.	Romans 5:12-21
Adam and Christ	J. H. Tarson.	Romans 5:12-21
Adam and Christ	J. Lyth, D. D.	Romans 5:12-21
Adam and Christ	R. Koegel, D. D.	Romans 5:12-21
Death by Sin, and Sin by Man	U. R. Thomas.	Romans 5:12-21
Grace Abounding	C.H. Irwin	Romans 5:12-21
Human Depravity	T. Raffles, D. D.	Romans 5:12-21
Introduction of Sin into the World	Prof. Godet, D. D.	Romans 5:12-21
Man's Fall	Hubbard-Puritan.	Romans 5:12-21
On the Fallen State of Man	T. Fernie, M. A.	Romans 5:12-21
Original Sin	T. Chalmers, D. D.	Romans 5:12-21
Original Sin	Hon. and Rev. A. T. Lyttelton.	Romans 5:12-21
Original Sin	W. F. Hook, D. D.	Romans 5:12-21
Original Sin	A. Toplady, M. A.	Romans 5:12-21
Original Sin	C. H. Spurgeon.	Romans 5:12-21
Original Sin, a Root	J. G. Wilson.	Romans 5:12-21
Original Sin, a Scientific Fact	F. W. Robertson.	Romans 5:12-21
Original Sin: Why God Did not Arrest its Consequences	Prof. Godet.	Romans 5:12-21
Representative Responsibility	R.M. Edgar	Romans 5:12-21
Sin and Death	J. Parsons.	Romans 5:12-21
The Analogy Between the Manner of Man's Condemnation in Adam and Justification in Christ	J. Lyth, D. D.	Romans 5:12-21
The Entrance of Sin into the World	T. Robinson, D. D.	Romans 5:12-21
The Great Parallels		Romans 5:12-21
The Introduction and Consequences of Sin	W. Cunningham, D. D.	Romans 5:12-21
The Misery of Man's Sinful State	T. Boston, D. D.	Romans 5:12-21
The Need of Healing	F. Paget, D. D.	Romans 5:12-21
The Principle on Which Justification Proceeds	W. Tyson.	Romans 5:12-21
What is Chance	C. Kingsley, M. A.	Romans 5:12-21
The Abounding Life	T.F. Lockyer	Romans 5:15-17

People

Adam, Paul, Romans

Places

Rome

Topics

Abundance, Abundant, Christ, Death, Free, Gift, Giving, God's, Grace, Individual, Kings, Man's, Offence, Offense, Overflowing, Provision, Rather, Receive, Receiving, Reign, Reigned, Righteousness, Ruling, Seize, Sovereignty, Transgression, Trespass, Wealth, Wrongdoing

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Romans 5:17

     1055   God, grace and mercy
     1060   God, greatness of
     1125   God, righteousness
     5598   victory, over spiritual forces
     6139   deadness, spiritual
     6671   grace, and Christian life
     6679   justification, results
     8157   righteousness, as faith
     8261   generosity, God's

Romans 5:12-17

5325 gifts
6660 freedom, through Christ

Romans 5:12-18

6512 salvation, necessity and basis

Romans 5:12-19

     2033   Christ, humanity
     5020   human nature
     5110   Paul, teaching of
     6156   fall, of humanity
     6745   sanctification, nature and basis

Romans 5:12-20

1680 types

Romans 5:14-17

5082 Adam, significance
6021 sin, nature of

Romans 5:14-19

5083 Adam, and Christ

Romans 5:15-17

6511 salvation

Romans 5:15-19

     1651   numbers, 1-2
     6203   mortality
     6678   justification, Christ's work
     6730   reinstatement

Romans 5:15-21

6214 participation, in Christ

Romans 5:16-17

6668 grace, and Christ

Romans 5:16-19

6028 sin, deliverance from

Romans 5:17-18

5005 human race, and redemption
7950 mission, of Christ

Romans 5:17-19

2595 incarnation
5655 birth

Library

March 20. "They which Receive Abundance of Grace and the Gift of Righteousness Shall Reign in Life" (Rom. v. 17).
"They which receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life" (Rom. v. 17). Precious souls sometimes fight tremendous battles in order to attain to righteousness in trying places. Perhaps the heart has become wrong in some matter where temptation has been allowed to overcome, or at least to turn it aside from its singleness unto God; and the conflict is a terrible one as it seeks to adjust itself and be right with God, and finds itself baffled by its own spiritual foes, …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Death by Adam, Life by Christ
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. F rom Mr. Handel's acknowledged abilities as a composer, and particularly from what I have heard of his great taste and success in adapting the style of his music to the subject, I judge, that this passage afforded him a fair occasion of displaying his genius and powers. Two ideas, vastly important in themselves, are here represented in the strongest light, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Let us have Peace
'Let us have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.'--ROMANS v. 1. (R.V.). In the rendering of the Revised Version, 'Let us have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,' the alteration is very slight, being that of one letter in one word, the substitution of a long 'o' for a short one. The majority of manuscripts of authority read 'let us have,' making the clause an exhortation and not a statement. I suppose the reason why, in some inferior MSS., the statement takes the place of the …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Access into Grace
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand.'--ROMANS v. 2. I may be allowed to begin with a word or two of explanation of the terms of this passage. Note then, especially, that also which sends us back to the previous clause, and tells us that our text adds something to what was spoken of there. What was spoken of there? 'The peace of God' which comes to a man by Jesus Christ through faith, the removal of enmity, and the declaration of righteousness. But that peace …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Warring Queens
'As sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.'--ROMANS v. 21. I am afraid this text will sound to some of you rather unpromising. It is full of well-worn terms, 'sin,' 'death,' 'grace,' 'righteousness,' 'eternal life,' which suggest dry theology, if they suggest anything. When they welled up from the Apostle's glowing heart they were like a fiery lava-stream. But the stream has cooled, and, to a good many of us, they …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

A Threefold Cord
'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.'--ROMANS v. 5. We have seen in former sermons that, in the previous context, the Apostle traces Christian hope to two sources: one, the series of experiences which follow 'being justified by faith' and the other, those which follow on trouble rightly borne. Those two golden chains together hold up the precious jewel of hope. But a chain that is to bear a weight must have a …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

What Proves God's Love
'God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.'--ROMANS v. 8. We have seen in previous sermons on the preceding context that the Apostle has been tracing various lines of sequence, all of which converge upon Christian hope. The last of these pointed to the fact that the love of God, poured into a heart like oil into a lamp, brightened that flame; and having thus mentioned the great Christian revelation of God as love, Paul at once passes to emphasise …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Sources of Hope
'We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4. And patience, experience; and experience, hope.'--ROMANS v. 2-4. We have seen in a previous sermon that the Apostle in the foregoing context is sketching a grand outline of the ideal Christian life, as all rooted in 'being justified by faith,' and flowering into 'peace with God,' 'access into grace,' and a firm stand against all antagonists and would-be masters. …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

God's Love Magnified in Christ's Death.
(Good Friday, 1832.) TEXT: ROM. v. 7, 8. IN the whole passage from which these words are taken the apostle is trying to convince his readers that it is only through Christ that we come into right relations with God. He begins by saying, Let us have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ; and so let us rejoice in the glory that God is to give; nay, more, let us rejoice in tribulation also. He goes on to say that the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit; and then he continues …
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

Law and Grace
I shall consider this text in two senses this morning. First, as it respects the world at large and the entrance of the law into it; and then afterwards, as respecting the heart of the convinced sinner, and the entrance of the law into the conscience. I. First, we shall speak of the text as CONCERNING THE WORLD. The object of God in sending the law into the world was "that the offence might abound." But then comes the gospel, for "where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." First, then, in reference …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Love's Commendation
"No big words of ready talkers, No fine boastings will suffice; Broken hearts and humble walkers, These are dear in Jesus' eyes." Let us imitate God, then, in this. If we would commend our religion to mankind, we cannot do it by mere formalities, but by gracious acts of integrity, charity and forgiveness, which are the proper discoveries of grace within. "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." "Let your conversation be such …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

For whom did Christ Die?
While man is in this condition Jesus interposes for his salvation. "When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly"; "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," according to "his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses and sins." The pith of my sermon will be an endeavour to declare that the reason of Christ's dying for us did not lie in our excellence; but where sin abounded grace did much more abound, for the persons for whom Jesus …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 20: 1874

Sin and Grace
"Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound."--Romans 5:20. THERE are two very powerful forces in the world, which have been here ever since the time when Eve partook of the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden. Those two forces are sin and grace. A very great power is sin, a power dark, mysterious, baleful, but full of force. The sorrows of mankind, whence came they but from sin? We should have known no war, nor pestilence, nor famine, nor would aught of sickness or sorrow ever have smitten …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 54: 1908

Justification by Faith
"Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ."--Romans 5:1. WE DESIRE this evening not to preach upon this text as a mere matter of doctrine. You all believe and understand the gospel of justification by faith, but we want to preach upon it tonight as a matter of experience, as a thing realized, felt, enjoyed, and understood in the soul. I trust there are many here who not only know that men may be saved and justified by faith, but who can say in their …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 60: 1914

The Old, Old Story
It is somewhat singular, but just as they say fish go bad at the head first, so modern divines generally go bad first upon the head and main doctrine of the substitutionary work of Christ. Nearly all our modern errors, I might say all of them, begin with mistakes about Christ. Men do not like to be always preaching the same thing., There are Athenians in the pulpit as well as in the pew who spend their time in nothing but hearing some new thing. They are not content to tell over and over again the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

Good Friday.
God commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. We all remember the story in the Gospel, of the different treatment which our Lord met with in the same house, from the Pharisee, who had invited him into it, and from the woman who came in and knelt at his feet, and kissed them, and bathed them with her tears. Our Lord accounted for the difference in these words, "To whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little;" which means to speak of the sense or …
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
1 Tim. i. 5.--"Now the end of the commandment," &c. Fifthly, Faith purging the conscience, and purifying the heart, works by love. Love is the fruit of faith. Love is the stream that flows out of a pure heart and a good conscience. By love, we mean principally love to God, or Jesus Christ, and then love to the saints next to our Saviour. This is often mentioned in scripture, "Hope maketh not ashamed, (Rom. v. 5) because the love of God is shed abroad in your hearts by the Holy Ghost." This love …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Wesley -- God's Love to Fallen Man
John Wesley was born at Epworth rectory in Lincolnshire, England, in 1703. He was educated at Charterhouse school and in 1720 entered Christ Church College, Oxford, where he graduated in 1724. He was noted for his classical taste as well as for his religious fervor, and on being ordained deacon by Bishop Potter, of Oxford, he became his father's curate in 1727. Being recalled to Oxford to fulfil his duties as fellow of Lincoln he became the head of the Oxford "Methodists," as they were called. He …
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 3

Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man
Christmas Evans, a Welsh Baptist preacher, was born at Isgaerwen, Cardiganshire, South Wales, in 1766. Brought up as a Presbyterian, he turned Baptist in 1788, and was ordained the following year and ministered among the Baptists in Carmaerthenshire. In 1792 he became a sort of bishop to those of his denomination in Anglesey, where he took up his residence. After a somewhat stormy experience with those he undertook to rule, he removed to Carmaerthen in 1832. He distinguished himself by his debt-raising …
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 3

Whyte -- Experience
Alexander Whyte, senior minister of St. George's Free Church, Edinburgh, was born at Kirriemuir (Thrums), Scotland, in 1837. He was educated at Aberdeen University (M.A., 1862), and at New College, Edinburgh (1862-66), and after being assistant minister of Free St. John's, Glasgow, from 1866 to 1870, became at first assistant minister, and later (1873) minister, of Free St. George's, Edinburgh, a position which be still retains, having had there an uninterrupted success. He is the author of a number …
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 8

"And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
This, as the former, being spoken indefinitely, may be universally taken, as relating both to such as are yet in the state of nature, and to such as are in the state of grace, and so may be considered in reference to both, and ground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and in reference to the other; to wit, 1. That our case is such as we stand in need of his help, as being the Life. 2. That no other way but by him, can we get that supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Prayer and Trouble (Continued)
"My first message for heavenly relief went singing over millions of miles of space in 1869, and brought relief to my troubled heart. But, thanks be to Him, I have received many delightful and helpful answers during the last fifty years. I would think the commerce of the skies had gone into bankruptcy if I did not hear frequently, since I have learned how to ask and how to receive."--H. W. Hodge In the New Testament there are three words used which embrace trouble. These are tribulation, suffering …
Edward M. Bounds—The Essentials of Prayer

Our Guilt.
"Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned."--Rom. v. 12. Sin and guilt belong together, but may not be confounded or considered synonymous, any more than sanctification and righteousness. It is true guilt rests upon every sin, and in every sin there is guilt, yet the two must be kept distinct. There is a difference between the blaze and the blackened spot upon the wall caused by it; long after the blaze is out …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Work of Grace a Unit.
"Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us."-- Rom. v. 5. The final end of all God's ways is that He may be all in all. He can not cease from working until He has entered the souls of individual men. He thirsts after the creature's love. In man's love for God He desires to see the virtues of His own love glorified. And love must spring from man's personal being, which has its seat in the heart. The work of grace exhibited in the eternal counsel …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

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