1Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, [5:2] through whom we also have had access, by faith, into this grace in which we stand — and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. [5:3] And not only that, but we also boast in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; [5:4] and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope. [5:5] And hope does not put to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
ROM 5:1-5
The Triumph of Faith
In the world it was spoken into
In the Roman world, access to a patron or dignitary was a privilege reserved for those of high status or those who had earned favor. Paul’s audience, many of whom were Gentiles in Rome, would have understood this term as a metaphor for the unprecedented access to God granted through faith in Jesus Christ. This access was not earned by social standing or merit but by grace, a radical inversion of Roman patronage systems. The mention of tribulations would resonate with early Christians, who often faced persecution, economic hardship, and social ostracism. In a culture that valued endurance as a virtue, Paul reframes suffering as a process that produces proven character , akin to refining precious metals. This hope, rooted in God’s love poured out through the Holy Spirit, would have been a countercultural assurance in a society where honor and stability were often tied to external success and social approval.
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How other translations render this
ROM 5:1
- KJV
- Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
- BSB
- Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
- Koinōnos
- Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
ROM 5:2
- KJV
- By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
- BSB
- through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
- Koinōnos
- through whom we also have had access, by faith, into this grace in which we stand — and we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
ROM 5:3
- KJV
- And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
- BSB
- Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
- Koinōnos
- And not only that, but we also boast in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
ROM 5:4
- KJV
- And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
- BSB
- perseverance, character; and character, hope.
- Koinōnos
- and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.
ROM 5:5
- KJV
- And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
- BSB
- And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
- Koinōnos
- And hope does not put to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
ROM 5:2
- access:The word translated 'access' here implies being brought into the presence of a superior, often with the help of an intermediary. It suggests a formal introduction and acceptance into a privileged relationship.
ROM 5:3
- tribulations:The term used here for 'tribulations' literally refers to intense pressure or crushing, like grapes being pressed for wine. It conveys a sense of being squeezed or burdened by difficult circumstances.
- perseverance:The word translated 'perseverance' carries the sense of steadfast endurance, not just passively waiting, but actively remaining under difficult circumstances without giving up. It's about holding one's ground.
ROM 5:4
- character,:The word translated 'character' refers to a quality that has been proven and approved through testing. It's not just personality, but a tested and validated moral or spiritual integrity.