What does Romans 6:19 mean?

Explanation

Romans 6:19 addresses the believers in Rome, highlighting a transformation that must occur in their behavior and allegiance.

The apostle Paul uses a human analogy to make his point clear, acknowledging the limitations and weaknesses ("infirmity") of human nature ("your flesh").

He compares the past servitude to sin to a future servitude to righteousness, suggesting a radical change in their lives.

"Ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity" refers to a previous lifestyle of sin where personal faculties ("members") were instruments or slaves to sin, resulting in a pattern of more sin ("iniquity unto iniquity").

In contrast, Paul urges them to now offer their members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification, or holiness. The deeper meaning emphasizes a transition from a life dominated by sin to a life governed by godly righteousness.

Historical Context

Romans is a letter written by Paul to the Christian church in Rome around AD 57.

The believers in Rome were predominantly Gentiles but also included a number of Jews.

At this time, many converts to Christianity would have recently left a non-Christian lifestyle, often full of what the early Church deemed sinful practices typical of Roman society.

The analogies Paul uses would be pertinent to his audience as slavery was a common and universally understood concept in the Roman Empire.

This context is pivotal in understanding the expectancy for a radical lifestyle change after conversion.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Romans 6:19 speaks to the doctrine of sanctification, the process of becoming holy or set apart for God’s purposes.

This process involves a moral transformation that mirrors the ethical standards of God.

Different theological perspectives may interpret this shift from sin to righteousness:

• Reformed Theology may emphasize the sovereignty of God in the process of sanctification, where God is actively working within the believer to will and to act for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
• Arminian Theology may focus on human free will, and stress the responsibility of the believer to cooperate with God’s grace in the sanctification process.
• Catholic Theology might consider this in the context of concupiscence, referring to the inclination to sin, and express the importance of sacraments and works as channels of sanctifying grace.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Romans 6:19 encourages believers to be actively engaged in the process of spiritual growth. Individuals may apply this teaching by:

• Surrendering daily habits to God's guidance, turning away from actions and attitudes that are not aligned with Christian values.
• Consciously using their talents and resources ("members") for constructive and righteous purposes, such as serving others, rather than for selfish or harmful ends.
• Seeking personal development through practices that lead to holiness, like prayer, reading scripture, and participating in communal worship.

Cross-References

• Romans 12:1 - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
• 1 Corinthians 6:20 - "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
• Galatians 5:19-21 - "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,"
• Ephesians 4:22-24 - "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

Language Study

In the phrase "members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity," the Greek term for "members" (μέλη, melē) refers to the parts of the body, and by extension, the faculties or aspects of oneself.

The term for "servants" (δοῦλα, doula) is derived from the word "slave," implying complete submission or bondage.

"Uncleanness" (ἀκαθαρσία, akatharsia) implies moral impurity, while "iniquity" (ἀνομία, anomia) means lawlessness or wickedness.

The phrase "iniquity unto iniquity" suggests a progression or increasing in sinfulness.

"Righteousness" (δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosunē) denotes the state of being right or just, which in Christian theology, is often grounded in God's character and expectations.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Paul's teachings about moral transformation and servitude to righteousness have parallels in various religious and philosophical systems.

For instance, in Buddhism, there is the concept of the Noble Eightfold Path which guides adherents to right thought and action to overcome suffering.

In Stoicism, a philosophical system contemporary to early Christianity, the idea of living in accordance with virtue and reason was paramount.

Yet, Paul's concept of righteousness leading to holiness is distinctively tied to the Judeo-Christian understanding of a personal God who sets the standard for morality and holiness.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse speaks in moral and spiritual terms, modern psychology might explore the dynamics of behavior change, habits formation, and self-control, all relevant to the practical outworking of the spiritual teaching in the verse.

Neuroscience might investigate the brain's role in habit formation and change, involving neural pathways that are strengthened through repetition, a process that might be seen as analogous to "yielding members" to a particular cause or way of life.

Commentaries

Commentaries typically provide insight into Romans 6:19 at the textual, cultural, and theological levels:

• Textual scholars might analyze how Paul uses rhetorical devices, such as the "from-to" contrast (from sin to righteousness), in his epistles.
• Cultural historians may explore how the institution of slavery in the Roman Empire shapes the metaphorical language Paul uses.
• Theological commentators might discuss the implications of this verse for understanding Christian ethics, the nature of sin, and the believer's journey towards holiness.

For example, John Stott in his commentary on Romans emphasizes the ethical demand of the gospel, which calls for a moral and spiritual revolution in the lives of believers.

Other scholars might lean on this verse to discuss the relationship between justification and sanctification in the Christian life.