Introduction to Romans 6:1–23: two questions about grace and sin, answered by union with Christ and a change of masters

Says Romans 6 asks two questions and refuses each with μὴ γένοιτο: "Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase?" (6:1, BSB), and "Shall we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? Certainly not!" (6:15, BSB). The first takes up 5:20: "but where sin increased, grace increased all the more" (5:20, BSB).

Implies Both questions answer the charge that grace gives license to sin, the slander already met in 3:8 (note.exegetical.Rom.3.1-Rom.3.8.gods-faithfulness; note.historical.Rom.3.1-Rom.3.31.slander-3-8). 6:1–14 answers it from union with Christ in his death and resurrection; 6:15–23 answers it from a change of masters, from sin to God and righteousness.

Structure. 6:1–4: buried with him through baptism, with a doctrinal note on baptism and union (6:3–5). 6:5–11: died with Christ, alive to God, with a doctrinal note on union and sanctification (6:1–14). 6:12–15: not under law but under grace. 6:16–23: slaves of righteousness, and the wages and the gift.

Background. The historical notes treat Jewish washings, John's baptism, the mystery-cult debate, and early Christian practice (note.historical.Rom.6.1-Rom.6.23.baptism-background), and Roman slavery, manumission, and soldiers' pay (note.historical.Rom.6.1-Rom.6.23.slavery-and-wages).