Introduction to Romans 5:1–21: the justified at peace with God, and the one man Christ set against the one man Adam

Says Romans 5 opens with οὖν, "therefore," and draws the consequence of 3:21–4:25: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (5:1, BSB). The participle Δικαιωθέντες (aorist passive) looks back on a verdict already given (note.language.Rom.5.1-Rom.5.5.echomen-kauchometha-agape; note.exegetical.Rom.4.23-Rom.4.25.written-for-us).

Implies 5:1–11 sets out what justification brings to the believer now and assures the future: peace, access, hope, and salvation from wrath. 5:12–21 grounds this in the one man Jesus Christ, set against the one man Adam, so that what came through Adam to all is answered by what comes through Christ to those who receive the gift (5:17).

Structure. 5:1–5: peace with God and the hope that does not disappoint. 5:6–11: Christ died for the ungodly, while we were enemies, with a doctrinal note on "much more" (5:9–10). 5:12–14: through one man. 5:15–17: the gift is not like the trespass. 5:18–21: one act of righteousness. A doctrinal note on Adam and Christ closes the chapter (5:12–21).

Background. The historical notes treat dying for a good man (note.historical.Rom.5.1-Rom.5.21.dying-for-the-good), the language of reconciliation (note.historical.Rom.5.1-Rom.5.21.reconciliation-diplomatic), Adam in Second Temple writings (note.historical.Rom.5.1-Rom.5.21.adam-second-temple), and how 5:12 was read (note.historical.Rom.5.1-Rom.5.21.reception-5-12).