Romans – Chapter 5

New Testament21 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 5 of Romans begins: "Being justified therefore by faith, let us have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ:" The chapter centers on Adam and Moses. Across its 21 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and justice and care for the poor. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Being justified therefore by faith, let us have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2By whom also we have access through faith into this grace wherein we stand: and glory in the hope of the glory of the sons of God.

3And not only so: but we glory also in tribulation, knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4And patience trial; and trial hope;

5And hope confoundeth not: because the charity of God is poured forth in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost who is given to us.

6For why did Christ, when as yet we were weak, according to the time, die for the ungodly?

7For scarce for a just man will one die: yet perhaps for a good man some one would dare to die.

8But God commendeth his charity towards us: because when as yet we were sinners according to the time.

9Christ died for us. Much more therefore, being now justified by his blood, shall we be saved from wrath through him.

10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son: much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

11And not only so: but also we glory in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received reconciliation.

12Wherefore as by one man sin entered into this world and by sin death: and so death passed upon all men, in whom all have sinned.

13For until the law sin was in the world: but sin was not imputed, when the law was not.

14But death reigned from Adam unto Moses, even over them also who have not sinned, after the similitude of the transgression of Adam, who is a figure of him who was to come.

15But not as the offence, so also the gift. For if by the offence of one, many died: much more the grace of God and the gift, by the grace of one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

16And not as it was by one sin, so also is the gift. For judgment indeed was by one unto condemnation: but grace is of many offences unto justification.

17For if by one man's offence death reigned through one; much more they who receive abundance of grace and of the gift and of justice shall reign in life through one, Jesus Christ.

18Therefore, as by the offence of one, unto all men to condemnation: so also by the justice of one, unto all men to justification of life.

19For as by the disobedience of one man, many were made sinners: so also by the obedience of one, many shall be made just.

20Now the law entered in that sin might abound. And where sin abounded, grace did more abound.

21That as sin hath reigned to death: so also grace might reign by justice unto life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Important Verses in Romans 5

Being justified therefore by faith, let us have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Romans 5:1

And hope confoundeth not: because the charity of God is poured forth in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost who is given to us.

Romans 5:5

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son: much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

Romans 5:10

That as sin hath reigned to death: so also grace might reign by justice unto life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:21

Historical Context

As a New Testament book, Romans was written with the Christian community in Rome, both Jewish and Gentile believers in view. Chapter 5 of 16 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 21 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Adam and Moses, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. It opens with the line: "Being justified therefore by faith, let us have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ:" The chapter ends with: "That as sin hath reigned to death: so also grace might reign by justice unto life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our…" In terms of historical background, Paul's longest and most systematic letter, written to prepare his visit to the capital of the empire. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius

When It Was Written

About AD 57-58, from Corinth

Catholic Commentary

The apostolic author instructs the Church on doctrine, morality, and community life. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Being justified therefore by faith, let us have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ:" The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

Catholic exegesis reads Romans 5 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. Romans grounds Catholic teaching on grace and salvation (CIC 1987-1995). St. Irenaeus and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 854).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.

People in This Chapter

Adam2 mentionsMoses1 mention

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read Romans Chapter 5, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. intercession for others remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 1700).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Romans Chapter 5 about?

Romans 5 contains 21 verses. It opens with "Being justified therefore by faith, let us have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ:" and closes with "That as sin hath reigned to death: so also grace might reign by justice unto life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our…". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Romans 5?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Being justified therefore by faith, let us have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Romans Chapter 5?

This chapter mentions Adam, Moses.

Who wrote Romans and when?

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius. About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

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