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The Deep Dive – Detailed Analysis of Romans 6:6

Key verse:  “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” KJV

1. Immediate Context of the Passage

Romans 6:6 states:
“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (KJV).

This verse is part of Paul’s argument in Romans 6 about the believer’s identification with Christ’s death and resurrection. Romans 6 builds on the themes introduced in chapters 5 (justification by faith) and transitions into sanctification. In this chapter, Paul addresses the question raised in Romans 6:1: “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” He emphatically answers, “God forbid” (6:2).

The immediate context (6:1–14) emphasizes the believer’s union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Romans 6:6 elaborates on the transformative effect of this union, focusing on the destruction of the “old man” and liberation from sin’s power.

2. Thematic Insights and Influence on Interpretation

Key Themes:

1. Union with Christ: The believer’s crucifixion with Christ means a decisive break from sin’s dominion (cf. Galatians 2:20).
2. Freedom from Sin: The destruction of the “body of sin” signifies the believer’s release from sin’s enslavement, enabling them to live righteously.
3. Sanctification: Paul introduces the concept of sanctification, explaining how believers are transformed and set apart from sin through their relationship with Christ.

Influence on Interpretation:
The verse illustrates the practical implications of salvation: not only are believers justified, but they are also empowered to resist sin and live in newness of life. This passage challenges believers to consider their identity in Christ and to live in alignment with that reality.

3. Cross-References

1. Galatians 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” This highlights the personal application of being united with Christ in His crucifixion.
2. Colossians 3:9–10: “Seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” This parallels the concept of putting off the “old man” and walking in the Spirit.
3. Ephesians 4:22–24: “Put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” This reinforces the call to live in holiness by abandoning sinful ways.
4. 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This echoes the transformative effect of salvation.

These cross-references deepen the understanding of how the crucifixion of the “old man” affects the believer’s identity and behavior.

4. Key Terms and Grammatical Structure

1. “Old man” (ὁ παλαιὸς ἄνθρωπος, ho palaios anthrōpos): Refers to the unregenerate self, characterized by sin and rebellion against God.
2. “Crucified” (συνεσταυρώθη, synestaurōthē): Aorist passive tense, indicating a completed action done to the believer in union with Christ.
3. “Body of sin” (τὸ σῶμα τῆς ἁμαρτίας, to sōma tēs hamartias): Refers to the physical body as dominated by sin. The phrase signifies sin’s power and control rather than the physical body itself.
4. “Destroyed” (καταργηθῇ, katargēthē): Means “rendered inoperative” or “made powerless,” emphasizing sin’s loss of dominion over the believer.
5. “Serve sin” (δουλεύειν τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, douleuein tē hamartiā): The verb implies slavery, underscoring the believer’s former bondage to sin.

The grammatical structure underscores the believer’s definitive break from sin’s control through union with Christ.

5. Comparative Translation Analysis

1. KJV: “That the body of sin might be destroyed.”
2. NIV: “So that the body ruled by sin might be done away with.”
3. ESV: “In order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing.”
4. NLT: “So that sin might lose its power in our lives.”

The KJV uses “destroyed,” which suggests total annihilation, while modern translations (e.g., ESV, NIV) emphasize rendering sin powerless. These differences highlight interpretive nuances: the “body of sin” is not eradicated but loses its dominion over believers.

6. Insights from Thayer’s Lexicon, Strong’s Concordance, and Commentaries

1. Thayer’s Lexicon: Katargēthē implies making something idle or ineffective. The “body of sin” is rendered powerless but not eradicated, as believers still contend with sinful tendencies.
2. Strong’s Concordance: The term synestaurōthē emphasizes a shared crucifixion with Christ, symbolizing the believer’s identification with His death.
3. Matthew Henry’s Commentary: Highlights the believer’s liberation from sin as both a privilege and a call to holy living.

The theological insights underscore the tension between the believer’s new identity in Christ and the ongoing battle with sin.

7. Practical Application and Reflection

• Identity in Christ: Understanding that the “old man” is crucified helps believers reject sinful patterns and embrace their new identity.
• Freedom from Sin’s Power: This verse empowers Christians to live victoriously, knowing sin no longer has dominion over them.
• Renewed Purpose: Believers are called to serve God rather than sin, aligning their lives with His purposes.

Practical Example: A believer struggling with addiction can find hope in Romans 6:6, realizing that their bondage to sin has been broken through Christ. This understanding motivates them to seek transformation and accountability.

Summary

Romans 6:6 is a foundational verse for understanding the believer’s sanctification. It emphasizes the crucifixion of the “old man,” the rendering powerless of the “body of sin,” and the believer’s new freedom to live in righteousness. By identifying with Christ’s death, believers are liberated from sin’s dominion and empowered to walk in newness of life. This passage not only assures believers of their freedom in Christ but also challenges them to live in alignment with their new identity.

About the book

Author

The Apostle Paul is the undisputed author of Romans. Paul identifies himself in the opening verse (Romans 1:1), and early church tradition unanimously affirms his authorship.

Date Written

A.D. 56–58, during Paul’s three-month stay in Corinth on his third missionary journey (Acts 20:2–3).

Time Span

Romans is not a narrative book and does not cover a specific historical period. It systematically expounds on the gospel and Christian theology.

Background

Paul wrote Romans to prepare the church in Rome for his anticipated visit. At this time, the Roman church was a mix of Jewish and Gentile Christians, leading to tensions regarding the law, grace, and salvation. Paul addresses these issues, presenting the gospel as the solution to human sin and division. The epistle serves as a theological foundation for the Christian faith and a unifying message for the Roman church.

Where Written

Likely written in Corinth, based on internal evidence (e.g., Paul commends Phoebe from Cenchreae, a port near Corinth, in Romans 16:1) and alignment with Acts 20:2–3.

To Whom

Romans is addressed to the church in Rome, which Paul had not yet visited. The congregation likely consisted of both Jews and Gentiles, with Gentiles forming the majority.

Content

Romans is a systematic presentation of the gospel. It covers key theological concepts such as sin, grace, justification, sanctification, and glorification, with practical applications for Christian living.

Keywords

• Righteousness (δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosynē)
• Grace (χάρις, charis)
• Faith (πίστις, pistis)
• Sin (ἁμαρτία, hamartia)
• Law (νόμος, nomos)
• Justification (δικαίωσις, dikaiōsis)

Themes

1. The Universal Need for Salvation: All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (3:23).
2. Justification by Faith: Salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ (5:1).
3. The Role of the Law: The law exposes sin but cannot save (7:7–12).
4. Sanctification: Believers are called to live holy lives empowered by the Spirit (6:1–23; 8:1–17).
5. God’s Sovereignty in Salvation: God’s plan includes Jews and Gentiles (9:1–11:36).
6. Practical Christian Living: Faith is expressed in love, humility, and service (12:1–15:13).

Outline with Scripture References

1. Introduction (1:1–17)
   • Paul’s greeting and declaration of the gospel.
2. Condemnation: The Need for Righteousness (1:18–3:20)
   • Universal sinfulness of humanity.
3. Justification: The Provision of Righteousness (3:21–5:21)
   • Justification by faith and its results.
4. Sanctification: The Demonstration of Righteousness (6:1–8:39)
   • Freedom from sin, the law, and death through the Spirit.
5. Vindication: God’s Righteousness in His Plan for Israel (9:1–11:36)
   • God’s sovereignty in salvation and inclusion of Gentiles.
6. Application: Righteousness in Daily Living (12:1–15:13)
   • Practical exhortations for Christian conduct.
7. Conclusion (15:14–16:27)
   • Paul’s travel plans, greetings, and a doxology.

Emotions

• Gratitude: For God’s grace and mercy (5:1–2).
• Conviction: Recognition of sinfulness (3:10–18).
• Hope: Assurance of eternal life (8:18–25).
• Joy: Reconciliation with God (5:10–11).
• Humility: Acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty (11:33–36).

Summary of Each Section

1. 1:1–17: Paul introduces himself and outlines the gospel, emphasizing faith and righteousness.
2. 1:18–3:20: Humanity’s universal guilt and need for salvation are exposed.
3. 3:21–5:21: Paul explains justification by faith and its implications.
4. 6:1–8:39: Believers are called to live in freedom and empowerment by the Spirit.
5. 9:1–11:36: God’s sovereignty and plan for Jews and Gentiles are explored.
6. 12:1–15:13: Practical guidance for living a transformed, Christ-centered life.
7. 15:14–16:27: Paul shares his plans and personal greetings, concluding with a doxology.

Content Analysis

Romans is the most comprehensive presentation of Christian theology in the New Testament. It provides a systematic explanation of sin, salvation, and sanctification while offering practical applications for living out the gospel. The letter emphasizes God’s grace, human responsibility, and the transformative power of faith.

Contextual Analysis

The Roman church was diverse, with Jewish and Gentile believers navigating cultural tensions. Paul addresses these issues, promoting unity and emphasizing the gospel’s universal relevance. His theological exposition bridges doctrinal truth and practical application, making it timeless in its appeal.