Romans 6 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

Becoming like Christ in this life (6:1–8:39)
- Baptism represents union with Christ’s death (6:1–14)
- Christians are now slaves of righteousness (6:15–23)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Slavery

In this chapter Paul frequently uses the metaphor of the relationship between slaves and their masters. He speaks figuratively of people who live sinfully as if they were slaves to sin and the death it causes (6:6, 16–17, 20). He also speaks figuratively of Christians as if God has freed them from being enslaved to sin and has himself or righteousness as their master (6:18, 22). Because Christians are no longer controlled by their desire to sin, they should instead serve God and live in a way that glorifies him (6:12–14, 19). (See: servant)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Rhetorical Questions

In 6:1–3, 15–16, and 21 Paul uses rhetorical questions in order to answer objections that people might make about what he is saying.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Inclusive language

In this chapter the pronouns “we”, “us”, and “our” refer inclusively to all believers in Christ. Paul calls these people those who have been “baptized into Christ Jesus” in 6:3. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: figs-exclusive)