Romans 5:12-21

1.    Here are some phrases, from the KJV, that scholars and theologians puzzle and argue and write papers about, and in the meantime creating heavyweight phrases like “original sin” and “the nature of Christ.” So how do you take Paul’s phrases?
    a.    “death passed on all men” (v. 12)
    b.    “sin is not imputed when there is no law” (v. 13)
    c.    “not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression” (v. 14)
    d.    “by one man’s offense death reigned by one” (v. 17)

2.     Why do you think death’s reign is cited as from Adam to Moses, in verses 13-14, not Adam to Abraham, or Adam to Christ?

3.    Read the section leaving out what is in parentheses (verses 13-17). Does this omission change the meaning or feeling of the reading? If so, how?

4.     Find and circle the “much more” phrases. What do you think is Paul’s main point to this passage?

5.    What joy or excitement comes to you from this text? What questions arise for you out of the reading of this text? What did you learn that was new to you, or a new way of looking at something? What does this text tell you about God and about yourself? About humans in general?

Other References
5:12, 17    Genesis 2:17; 3:6, 19; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22
5:13    John 1:17; 1 John 3:4
5:14    Figure, type, pattern. 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11; 15:45; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7; Hebrews 8:5;
5:15    Isaiah 53:11-12
5:18    John 12:32; Hebrews 2:9
5:20    John 15:22; Galatians 3:19