Romans 5:12
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Humanity’s Sin Through Adam. 12 [a]Therefore, just as through one person sin entered the world,(A) and through sin, death, and thus death came to all, inasmuch as all sinned[b]—
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- 5:12–21 Paul reflects on the sin of Adam (Gn 3:1–13) in the light of the redemptive mystery of Christ. Sin, as used in the singular by Paul, refers to the dreadful power that has gripped humanity, which is now in revolt against the Creator and engaged in the exaltation of its own desires and interests. But no one has a right to say, “Adam made me do it,” for all are culpable (Rom 5:12): Gentiles under the demands of the law written in their hearts (Rom 2:14–15), and Jews under the Mosaic covenant. Through the Old Testament law, the sinfulness of humanity that was operative from the beginning (Rom 5:13) found further stimulation, with the result that sins were generated in even greater abundance. According to Rom 5:15–21, God’s act in Christ is in total contrast to the disastrous effects of the virus of sin that invaded humanity through Adam’s crime.
- 5:12 Inasmuch as all sinned: others translate “because all sinned,” and understand Rom 5:13 as a parenthetical remark. Unlike Wis 2:24, Paul does not ascribe the entry of death to the devil.
Romans 5:15
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Grace and Life Through Christ. 15 But the gift is not like the transgression. For if by that one person’s transgression the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one person Jesus Christ overflow for the many.
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Romans 5:17-19
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
17 For if, by the transgression of one person, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one person Jesus Christ. 18 In conclusion, just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so through one righteous act acquittal and life came to all.(A) 19 For just as through the disobedience of one person the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of one the many will be made righteous.(B)
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Romans 5:20-21
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
20 The law entered in[a] so that transgression might increase but, where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more,(A) 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through justification for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.(B)
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- 5:20 The law entered in: sin had made its entrance (Rom 5:12); now the law comes in alongside sin. See notes on Rom 1:18–32; 5:12–21. Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more: Paul declares that grace outmatches the productivity of sin.
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