Rom 5:15-18 | RWP | e4.org | But not as the trespass ( αλλ' ουχ ως ). It is more contrast than parallel: "the trespass" ( το παραπτωμα , the slip, fall to one side) over against the free gift ( το χαρισμα , of grace χαρις ). Much more ( πολλω μαλλον ). Another a fortiori argument. Why so? As a God of love he delights much more in showing mercy and pardon than in giving just punishment (Lightfoot). The gift surpasses the sin. It is not necessary to Paul's argument to make "the many" in each case correspond, one relates to Adam, the other to Christ.

‏ Romans 5:15-18

But not as the trespass ( αλλ' ουχ ως ). It is more contrast than parallel: "the trespass" ( το παραπτωμα, the slip, fall to one side) over against the free gift ( το χαρισμα, of grace χαρις ).

Much more ( πολλω μαλλον ). Another a fortiori argument. Why so? As a God of love he delights

much more in showing mercy and pardon than in giving just punishment (Lightfoot). The gift surpasses the sin. It is not necessary to Paul's argument to make "the many" in each case correspond, one relates to Adam, the other to Christ.

Through one that sinned ( δι' ενος αμαρτησαντος ). "Through one having sinned." That is Adam. Another contrast, difference in source ( εκ ).

Of one ( εξ ενος ). Supply παραπτωματος, Adam's one transgression.

Of many trespasses ( εκ πολλων παραπτωματων ). The gift by Christ grew out of manifold sins by Adam's progeny.

Justification ( δικαιωμα ). Act of righteousness, result, ordinance (1:32; 2:26; 8:4), righteous deed (5:18), verdict as here (acquittal).

Much more ( πολλω μαλλον ). Argument a fortiori again. Condition of first class assumed to be true. Note balanced words in the contrast (transgression παραπτωματ, grace χαριτος; death θανατος, life ζωη; the one or

Adam του ενος, the one

Jesus Christ; reign βασιλευω in both).

So then ( αρα ουν ). Conclusion of the argument. Cf. 7:3, 25; 8:12, etc. Paul resumes the parallel between Adam and Christ begun in verse 12 and interrupted by explanation (13f.) and contrast (15-17).

Through one trespass ( δι' ενος παραπτωματος ). That of Adam.

Through one act of righteousness ( δι' ενος δικαιωματος ). That of Christ. The first "unto all men" ( εις παντας ανθρωπους ) as in verse 12, the second as in verse 17 "they that receive, etc."