Romans 5:1–21: Peace with God, and the One Man Jesus Christ (two sessions)

Read 5:1–2. What does Paul say follows from having “been justified through faith”? Through whom does it come? What have we gained access into, and what do we rejoice in?

In 5:3–5, what does suffering produce, step by step? Why does hope not disappoint us? What has God poured out, and through whom? Compare Ps 22:5.

Read 5:6–8. What were we when Christ died? How does Paul compare dying for a righteous man or a good man? How does God prove His love?

In 5:9–11, what has already happened to us, and what will “much more” happen? What were we when we were reconciled? Who reconciles, and what do we do with the reconciliation?

Many early manuscripts of 5:1 read “let us have peace with God” (literal), while the BSB has “we have peace with God.” What difference would each make? What in 5:2 and 5:10–11 might help decide? Does the same question arise for “we rejoice” in 5:2–3?

God “has poured out His love into our hearts” (5:5). Is this God's love for us, or our love for God, poured in by the Spirit? How does 5:8 help? Why does the answer matter for hope?

Christ “died for the ungodly” (5:6) and “died for us” (5:8), and we are “justified by His blood” (5:9). What does “for” mean here? Look back at 3:24–26. Who is “a good man” in 5:7: the same person as “a righteous man,” or someone different?

In 5:9–10 Paul argues “how much more.” From what to what? What is the wrath we will be “saved from”? Does this mean the justified will be kept to the end? What does “saved through His life” (5:10) add?

We were “enemies of God” (5:10). Does that mean only that we were hostile to God, or also that we stood under his hostility? In 5:10–11 and 2 Cor 5:18–20, who reconciles whom?

We “have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand” (5:2). After you have failed, how should this change the way you come to God?

Paul says “we also rejoice in our sufferings” (5:3). What hardship are you facing now? How could 5:3–5 shape the way you face it, without pretending that it does not hurt?

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (5:8). When you doubt God's love, what does this verse point you to? How does the “much more” of 5:9–10 strengthen assurance?