Romans 5:1-5 Commentary

I will be posting a full commentary on Romans 5-8 here on "Reimagining Paul." My plan is to publish this as a concise, handy paperback (and also an eBook) under the title: The Law of the Spirit of Life, A Concise, Practical Commentary on Romans 5-8. The whole text will be available free here on the blog.

These verses, after the long debate with Paul's rivals in chapters 1-4, begin to describe an amazing gift from the Lord of Glory. Whereas the rivals boast in their Law-Keeping, Paul boasts in his weakness and tribulations. Whereas the rivals promulgate fear of missing out on God's salvation, Paul trusts in the faith of Jesus and says we should too. Instead of fear, we are called to celebration and hope. The results of understanding God's gift correctly include inner peace, endurance in life's trials, a certain hope in future glory, and character transformation here in our present walk with God.

The section has a simple outline: The Faith of Jesus Delivers Us (vss. 1-2), Tribulations to Endurance to Character (vss. 3-5).

THE FAITH OF JESUS DELIVERS US (vss. 1-2). Having been justified by faith. From Romans 3:22, we know that the "faith" spoken about here is Jesus' faith, not our faith. See also "The Faith of Jesus" later in this volume. Justified. The word can have two basic meanings: the absolving of guilt or deliverance. Faith. Jesus believed in God all the way to the cross. By faith and faithfulness, he did not resist evil men who were his inferiors. His faith kept him on the cross until he gave up his last breath. We have peace. The rivals of Paul wanted to produce anxiety about final destinies. Will you really live after you die? Have you done enough to "earn" afterlife? Paul will explain in these chapters how salvation really works. Obtained our introduction. Other translations say "obtained access." Christ is the door, the gate, and through him we have gained entry. Most likely Paul's rivals thought of Jesus as our example, our forerunner, but not the author of our salvation. Grace in which we stand. Grace is undeserved favor, which is a kind of a gift. Gifts are free or they are not gifts. We stand in Grace, which is unconditional. God put us here; we did not arrive here by our own ability. Celebrate. Better translated as "boast." Paul has referred multiple times to his rivals boasting (2:17, 23; 3:27; 4:2). Their boasting is in Law-keeping. But Paul's boasting is in two things: the hope of the glory of God and tribulations. Hope of the glory of God. Paul had seen divine glory in the face of Jesus in the road to Damascus. In the Torah, Moses' face shone with God's glory after he would meet with him in the Tabernacle (Exodus 34:29-35). Glory is mostly understood as a divine light that can blind us, that is too bright to behold. The hope Paul speaks of is that we will live there in the light of God's glory after death.

TRIBULATIONS TO ENDURANCE TO CHARACTER (vss. 3-5). Celebrate in our tribulations. Better translated "boast" (see the comment above under vss. 1-2). Paul's rivals no doubt mocked him as someone being punished by God with beatings and imprisonments. There is a belief that those who prosper have divine favor and those who suffer lack it. The life of Jesus gives the lie to this belief. Tribulation brings about perseverance. When we suffer lack or abuse or discouragement, these experiences can toughen us. We develop endurance (perseverance), the ability to hold up under pain or disappointment. Just as resistance builds muscles, affliction builds a tolerance for hardship and fortitude to press on. Perseverance, proven character. Some translations say "virtue." Having our patience muscles strengthened, we need less comfort, and we can focus more on positive actions and attitudes. Doing right is easier with the strength brought on by our tribulations. And proven character, hope. Discontentedness and complaining are the enemies of hope. But as tribulations build character, we complain less and we can see the positive aspect of life more easily. Also, as we see God's life growing in us, our faith is strengthened. The love of God has been poured out. It is scandalous, really, what God has done. The Almighty Lord has humiliated himself, becoming like us and subjecting himself to the violence of weak men. No one has ever shown love that can compare with God the Son on the cross. Within our hearts. This radical love of God changes us. Through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. This endowment we receive from God is more than just an example of love or a feeling of indebtedness. God actually comes to live in us. Some have interpreted the love being poured out as God's love going through us to other people (Augustine, for example). More likely, Paul means the love of God has touched us and changed us.

PRACTICAL LESSONS: We have security with God because of Jesus Christ. Our hope is certain and will not disappoint. We stand in grace. Love has already been poured out in our hearts. The Spirit has been given to us. Now, if we want to live the best life we can, we can embrace struggles. We boast in our weakness and trials cannot defeat us (as long as we keep our eyes on Jesus). Consider how light our afflictions are compared to the suffering Christ endured. Let every trial be an opportunity to develop the patience of Christ. Think often about the hope of glory.

PRAYER: Our faithful Savior, let us have peace and endurance, knowing that your faith has saved us and our only boast is in you.