A Broke Evangelist

November 6, 2024

Romans 5:12-14

Before the Law: The Reign of Death and the Promise of Life 

“12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—

13 To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.”

If you look closely, you'll notice I have three consecutive verses sitting there in two sections. Not everyone realizes that, beyond verse numbers, the Bible is often arranged in sections within chapters. This practice is relatively recent compared to how long scripture has been around—about 470 years, starting with the first fully chaptered and numbered Bible (the Latin Vulgate), which also incorporated Old Testament verse divisions established a hundred years earlier.

Organizing the Bible into smaller, readable sections has actually been a long process. Back in the fifth century, the theologian and translator Jerome divided the Bible into short passages called *pericopes*—a sort of "first draft" for chapters as we know them. The chapter divisions most familiar today are credited to Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury from 1207 to 1228. His layout first appeared in the Wycliffe English Bible of 1382 and has been widely used since.

As for verse divisions, those go even further back in the Old Testament, thanks to Jewish scholars. Around AD 900, the Ben Asher family divided the Old Testament into verses, creating a structure that stuck, with additional divisions added later.

These divisions keep verses in context, helping to avoid misunderstandings. It’s like that story of the man who played “Bible Roulette” by flipping to a random verse. He landed on Matthew 27:5, where Judas “went away and hanged himself.” Not happy with his pick, he tried again and hit Luke 10:37, where Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.” With respect to Homer Simpson: DOH! ! While these verses do stand on their own, each is really part of a broader message. Context is everything!

On that note, let’s see what I find on Romans 5:12, 13-14…

Romans 5:12 – Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—

Paul viewed Genesis 3 as entirely, historically true. To Paul (and to Jesus, who also referenced Adam and Eve in Matthew 19:4-6), Adam and Eve were real people, and their actions have had a lasting impact on humanity ever since. The account of Adam and Eve isn’t an optional story to interpret however we like or to dismiss as purely symbolic. Paul’s message here in Romans 5 suggests that removing the truth of Genesis 3 would take away core principles foundational to our salvation. F.F. Bruce, a biblical scholar, wrote, “To Paul, Adam was more than a historical figure, the first man; he was also what his name means in Hebrew—‘humanity.’ All of humanity was, in a sense, represented in Adam from the beginning.” Paul doesn’t try to prove this point; he simply takes it as fact from Genesis 3: sin entered the world through Adam.

The lesson here isn't just about acknowledging sin but recognizing the profound responsibility we carry as individuals. Our choices matter—not just for ourselves but for those around us and even for future generations. Adam’s sin wasn’t just a historical event; it set the course for all of humanity, and in many ways, we continue to live with the consequences of that fall. But the good news is that, just as Adam’s choice had far-reaching effects, so too does the work of Jesus, who brought redemption and hope for all.

Interestingly, Paul places the responsibility for humanity’s fall on Adam, not Eve. While Eve was deceived when she sinned, Adam sinned with full awareness of his actions (1 Timothy 2:14). Death entered the world and spread to everyone as a result of Adam’s sin. God had warned Adam, “In the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:17). The reality of death began with Adam’s choice, and it has ruled over the earth ever since. Every grave stands as silent proof of sin’s reach and dominance since Adam’s time. Since sin and death are linked, we know that all people are sinners—because everyone faces death. A sinless person wouldn’t be subject to death, but since every human, even the tiniest baby, is under its shadow, it shows that all of humanity shares in Adam’s sin.

Understanding this can be uncomfortable. It reminds us that no one is exempt from the shadow of sin and death. This truth might feel a bit unsettling, but it’s still true. Even the most innocent among us share in this fallen reality. David recognized this when he wrote, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5). But it also calls us to take responsibility for our own actions and to recognize the opportunity we have to choose differently, guided by the example of Jesus.

Romans 5:13 – To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. 

The sweeping and relentless reign of death—even before the Law was given in Moses' time—shows that humanity was under sin long before any commandments were in place. Death ruled over everyone, even those who hadn’t sinned exactly as Adam did, proving that the power of sin was already at work in every person. At the core, we’re considered sinners because of Adam—not because we break the law ourselves, as sin and death existed long before the Law was ever given. The Law came too late to prevent sin and death, and it’s too weak on its own to save us from them. Because of this, Paul introduces Adam as a symbolic picture or representation of Jesus, as he and Jesus began as completely sinless men, and both made choices that impacted all of humanity.

Romans 5:14 – Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.

In life, we’re given opportunities to choose, and each choice has a ripple effect. Just as Adam’s sin spread to all, so too can our actions of grace, forgiveness, and love. Every small act of kindness or decision to live according to God’s will can change the world, one life at a time. The key is to understand the weight of our choices and use that understanding to live with purpose and intention, knowing that our actions have eternal consequences.

More to come…

A Broke Evangelist – November 6, 2024

Also on Substack:

Previous Day Next Day

November 2024