Romans 5:17
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
The third contrasting parallelism (cf. vv. 15-16) combines the two preceding ones and involves both a difference in degree (how much more; cf. v. 15) and a difference in kind (“death” and “life”; cf. v. 16). The first-class condition in the first part of the verse assumes the statement to be true, if (since) death reigned (cf. v. 20) through that one man. This fact is confirmed by verses 12 and 14. Death is a tyrant, ruling over people and bringing every person under its fear and into its grip (cf. Heb. 2:15).
As a result it also is true that those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift (cf. Rom. 5:15) of righteousness reign in life through the one Man, Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus is the Agent of all of God’s provision for people. Whereas death reigns like a tyrant over all, believers in Christ, who receive God’s grace, reign in life. In the one case people are dying victims under a ruthless ruler; in the other they themselves become the rulers (cf. Rev. 1:6) whose kingdom is one of life! The fact that it is “those who receive” God’s grace and gift emphasizes that the provision made for all in Christ’s sacrificial death and offered to all by God must be appropriated by an individual by faith to become effective (cf. “received” in John 1:12).
Excerpt from:
Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
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