Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 5
Probably, Paul wrote the Book of Romans just a few weeks after he wrote 2 Corinthians. In that letter, Paul warned strongly against some of the teachers in the church, who were boasting (2 Corinthians 11:12-21).
To boast means to speak boldly with pride and joy about something. Those teachers were proud of their own importance and greatness. Paul believed that a Christian should never have such attitudes. He told Corinth’s Christians that they should only be proud of God’s greatness (2 Corinthians 10:17).
Here in Romans chapter 5, Paul returns to the same subject. He tells Christians to speak boldly, and with joy, about their hope (verse 2), about their troubles (verse 3), and about God (verse 11).
Jesus described himself as the true and living way to God (John 14:6; see also Hebrews 10:19-20). We can receive all the benefits of God’s kindness only because of Jesus. He died so that God can forgive us (5:8). He works in our lives to bring us to a right relationship with God (Luke 15:3-7; John 10:7-9). If, by our own efforts, we had to remain in a right relationship with God, we would certainly fail (7:14-25). Instead, we must depend constantly on Jesus (8:2).
In the Bible, the word ‘hope’ usually refers to the things that God promises to his people in the future. God’s promises are certain and therefore their hope is also certain (Hebrews 6:19). God will free them from their troubles in this world. He will adopt them fully as his children (8:18-23). They will always live with him (Revelation 21:3); and they will share his glory (splendid beauty). In other words, his glory will be their constant experience (Romans 8:17; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Revelation 22:1-5).
Next part: How trouble can bring about hope instead of despair (Romans 5:3-4)
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© 2022, Keith Simons.