ACC ~ Romans 5 v21

TWO KINGDOMS. ORIGEN: Paul shows that there are two kingdoms in man. In one of these, sin has taken control and leads to death. In the other, grace reigns through righteousness and leads to life. For it is grace which expels and ejects sin from its kingdom, i.e., from our members. COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS.

AMBROSIASTER: Sin reigned when it saw that it was driving sinners into death, in which it rejoiced, in much the same way as grace will reign in those who obey God. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

NO LONGER RECEPTIVE TO SIN. THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: Paul says that just as sin once ruled us even against our will, because we were so used to it, so now our zeal for God reigns and will reign in us forever. Since we have been made worthy of eternal life through the resurrection and live in true and certain righteousness, we shall no longer be receptive to sin. PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH.

[PSEUDO-]CONSTANTIUS: Paul said this because the one who is forgiven more will love more. THE HOLY LETTER OF ST. PAUL TO THE ROMANS.

THE REIGN OF GRACE. PELAGIUS: Just as the reign of sin was established through contempt for the law, so also the reign of grace is established through the forgiveness of many sinners and thereafter through the doing of righteousness without ceasing. PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON ROMANS.