Romans – Chapter 6

New Testament23 Verses

Chapter Summary

Romans 6 opens with the words: "What shall we say, then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" Across its 23 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and justice and care for the poor. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1What shall we say, then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2God forbid! For we that are dead to sin, how shall we live any longer therein?

3Know you not that all we who are baptized in Christ Jesus are baptized in his death?

4For we are buried together with him by baptism into death: that, as Christ is risen from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also may walk in newness of life.

5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.

6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin may be destroyed, to the end that we may serve sin no longer.

7For he that is dead is justified from sin.

8Now, if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall live also together with Christ.

9Knowing that Christ, rising again from the dead, dieth now no more. Death shall no more have dominion over him.

10For in that he died to sin, he died once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

11So do you also reckon that you are dead to sin, but alive unto God, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, so as to obey the lusts thereof.

13Neither yield ye your members as instruments of iniquity unto sin: but present yourselves to God, as those that are alive from the dead; and your members as instruments of justice unto God.

14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace.

15What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid!

16Know you not that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are whom you obey, whether it be of sin unto death or of obedience unto justice.

17But thanks be to God, that you were the servants of sin but have obeyed from the heart unto that form of doctrine into which you have been delivered.

18Being then freed from sin, we have been made servants of justice.

19I speak an human thing, because of the infirmity of your flesh. For as you have yielded your members to serve uncleanness and iniquity, unto iniquity: so now yield your members to serve justice, unto sanctification.

20For when you were the servants of sin, you were free men to justice.

21What fruit therefore had you then in those things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of them is death.

22But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, you have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end life everlasting.

23For the wages of sin is death. But the grace of God, life everlasting in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Important Verses in Romans 6

What shall we say, then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Romans 6:1

So do you also reckon that you are dead to sin, but alive unto God, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:11

What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid!

Romans 6:15

For the wages of sin is death. But the grace of God, life everlasting in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

Historical Context

As a New Testament book, Romans was written with the Christian community in Rome, both Jewish and Gentile believers in view. Chapter 6 of 16 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 23 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter begins: "What shall we say, then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" The final verse reads: "For the wages of sin is death. But the grace of God, life everlasting in Christ Jesus our Lord. " 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 letter combines theological exposition with pastoral exhortation for believers. A pivotal line is verse 1: "What shall we say, then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

Catholic exegesis reads Romans 6 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. Romans grounds Catholic teaching on grace and salvation (CIC 1987-1995). St. John Chrysostom and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 618).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

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.
  • True conversion means turning away from sin and returning to God with our whole heart.

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Romans Chapter 6 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that justification by faith and life in the Spirit is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing forgiveness and reconciliation.

Let Romans Chapter 6 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Romans Chapter 6 about?

Romans 6 contains 23 verses. It opens with "What shall we say, then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" and closes with "For the wages of sin is death. But the grace of God, life everlasting in Christ Jesus our Lord. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Romans 6?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "What shall we say, then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Romans and when?

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

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