What does Romans 6:17 mean?

Explanation

Romans 6:17 presents a picture of transformation and gratitude. Paul, the writer of the letter to the Romans, is expressing thanks to God for the radical change that has occurred in the lives of the Roman believers.

This verse contrasts their past condition as "servants of sin" with their current state, having become obedient to the Christian teaching they had received.

The phrase "servants of sin" implies that before their conversion, the Romans were bound to sin, as if in servitude.

This bondage to sin suggests a lack of freedom to live in righteousness.

Paul then emphasizes that the Romans made a conscious and heartfelt decision to follow a different path, the "form of doctrine," which means the pattern or teaching of the gospel.

Their obedience from the heart indicates sincere and voluntary adherence rather than mere external compliance.

Historical Context

Romans was written by Paul the Apostle around AD 57, while he was in Corinth on his third missionary journey.

The church in Rome to whom he was writing primarily consisted of Gentile believers in Jesus, although there was a significant Jewish minority.

They lived in the heart of the Roman Empire, where various religions, philosophies, and moralities coexisted.

Culturally, Roman society had a broad spectrum of moral behaviors, and many were seen as contrary to the teachings of Christianity. Paul wrote to the Romans to strengthen their faith, to impart doctrinal knowledge, and to encourage holy living amidst a pagan society.

Theological Insights

This verse offers several theological insights:

• Doctrine of Sanctification: The obedience from the heart can be seen as reflecting the inner transformation that is part of sanctification, or the process by which believers are made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit.

• Grace and Human Response: While salvation is by grace through faith, a response is necessary.

The Romans' active obedience represents this human response to divine grace.

• Doctrine of Sin: The concept of being a "servant" to sin reflects the Pauline understanding that apart from Christ, people are in bondage to sinful nature.

Different theological traditions might emphasize various aspects of this verse.

For example:

• Calvinism might focus on God's sovereign will in bringing about the obedience of the believers.
• Arminianism might emphasize the believers' choice to obey the doctrine delivered to them.

Practical Applications

The verse has several applications for daily life:

• Thankfulness: As Christians reflect on their former life and present change, they should be filled with gratitude towards God.
• Obedience from the Heart: Obedience is not merely about external actions, but about a heart transformed by God's truth.
• Commitment to Teaching: Believers are encouraged to remain committed to the truths of the gospel, continuously learning and applying them.

Cross-References

• Romans 12:2 - "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..."
• Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
• John 8:34 - "Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the term used for "servants" is "δοῦλοι" (douloi), which means 'slaves.' This implies a complete domination by sin before conversion.

The phrase "obeyed from the heart" in Greek is "ὑπῆκούσατε ἐκ καρδίας" (hypēkousate ek kardias), depicting obedience as arising genuinely from within.

"Form of doctrine" is translated from "τύπον διδαχῆς" (typon didachēs). "Τύπον" (typon) can mean 'pattern' or 'model,' indicating a standard to be followed.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to the way Paul contrasts service to sin versus obedience to God's doctrine, in ancient mythology individuals often transition from a state of ignorance or entrapment to enlightenment or freedom through various trials or encounters with the divine.

However, unlike these myths, Paul presents a singular path through the teaching of Jesus Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

Science mainly deals with the empirical world, so it does not typically address the religious or spiritual transformation discussed in this verse.

However, psychological studies on behavioral change do acknowledge the importance of internal motivation and personal conviction for lasting transformation, which might parallel the concept of "obeyed from the heart."

Commentaries

Modern commentaries emphasize the significance of this verse in illustrating the change that the gospel brings about in individuals' lives:

• John Stott points out that liberation from sin's servitude leads to a new obedience to Christ.
• Douglas Moo notes that the teaching that the Roman Christians received has become the pattern for their new lives.
• *N.T.

Wright* often highlights how such passages in Romans indicate that Paul saw Jesus’ followers as starting a life of 'becoming human' in a new way, a theme significant in Wright's interpretation of Pauline theology.