Romans 6:17

KJV

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} God {G2316} be thanked {G5485}, that {G3754} ye were {G2258} the servants {G1401} of sin {G266}, but {G1161} ye have obeyed {G5219} from {G1537} the heart {G2588} that form {G5179} of doctrine {G1322} which {G1519}{G3739} was delivered you {G3860}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By God’s grace, you, who were once slaves to sin, obeyed from your heart the pattern of teaching to which you were exposed;

Berean Standard Bible

But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed.

American Standard Version

But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 6:17 expresses the Apostle Paul's profound gratitude to God for the transformative spiritual journey of the Roman believers. They, who were once enslaved to the dominion of sin, have now, by divine grace, wholeheartedly embraced and submitted to the foundational truths of the Christian gospel, which serves as a divine pattern for their new life in Christ. This verse highlights the radical shift from spiritual bondage to a willing, internal obedience to sound doctrine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 6:17 is strategically placed within Paul's comprehensive theological argument in Romans 6, which addresses the profound implications of a believer's union with Christ. Having established in the preceding verses that believers have died to sin and been raised to newness of life through baptism into Christ's death and resurrection ([Romans 6:1-11](/romans/6-1-11 "Romans 6:1-11 - Death to Sin, Life in Christ")), Paul transitions from theological exposition to practical exhortation. He urges them not to allow sin to reign in their mortal bodies or to yield their body parts as instruments of unrighteousness ([Romans 6:12-13](/romans/6-12-13 "Romans 6:12-13 - Do Not Let Sin Reign")). He then assures them that sin will no longer have dominion over them, as they are not under law but under grace ([Romans 6:14](/romans/6-14 "Romans 6:14 - Not Under Law, But Under Grace")). Verse 17 serves as a thankful affirmation that the Roman Christians have indeed responded positively to this new reality, demonstrating their freedom from sin's former mastery and their willing submission to God's truth. It sets the stage for the subsequent discussion of being "slaves of righteousness" ([Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Slaves of Righteousness")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Rome was a diverse community, likely composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, facing various theological and ethical challenges. Paul's letter to the Romans, written around A.D. 57-58 from Corinth, aimed to lay out a systematic presentation of the Gospel, address potential misunderstandings regarding grace and law, and promote unity within the diverse congregation. The concept of "slavery" was deeply embedded in the Roman world, where a significant portion of the population were actual slaves. This imagery would have resonated powerfully with Paul's audience, vividly illustrating the oppressive nature of sin's dominion and the liberating power of Christ. The "form of doctrine" refers to the core Christian teachings they had received, likely through evangelism and early catechesis, which provided a new moral and spiritual framework in stark contrast to the pagan practices or legalistic interpretations they might have previously followed.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Radical Transformation**, demonstrating the profound change from a life dominated by sin to one characterized by obedience to God's truth. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Grace and Human Response**, emphasizing that while their liberation is God's work, it requires a genuine, heartfelt submission from believers. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **Authority and Efficacy of Sound Doctrine**, portraying Christian teaching not as mere information but as a powerful "form" or mold that shapes character and conduct. This relates to Paul's consistent emphasis on the importance of truth in sanctification, as seen in his later exhortations to be transformed by the renewing of their minds ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind")). Finally, it touches upon the theme of **Spiritual Slavery and Freedom**, contrasting the former oppressive master (sin) with the new, liberating master (God's truth), leading to righteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servants (Greek, _doûlos'_):** This term, derived from the verb meaning "to bind," denotes a slave or bond-servant. It emphasizes a state of complete subjugation, ownership, and being entirely at the disposal of another's will. In this context, it vividly portrays the former condition of the Roman believers as being utterly controlled by sin, highlighting the oppressive and inescapable nature of their pre-conversion state.
* **Heart (Greek, _kardía'_):** Figuratively, the heart represents the thoughts, feelings, and the inner core of a person's being—the seat of intellect, emotion, and will. Paul's use of "from the heart" signifies that their obedience was not superficial or external, but a deep, genuine, and sincere response originating from their innermost being, reflecting a true change of disposition and affection.
* **Form (Greek, _týpos'_):** From a root meaning "to strike," _typos_ refers to a die, stamp, or scar, and by extension, a shape, pattern, or model. Here, it implies that the "doctrine" or teaching they received was a clear, authoritative blueprint or mold. The believers willingly allowed this divine pattern to shape their lives, providing a new standard for faith and conduct, much like a mold gives shape to a poured substance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But God be thanked":** This opening phrase immediately establishes a tone of profound gratitude and praise directed towards God. It underscores that the transformation described is not a result of human effort or merit, but solely due to divine intervention and grace. Paul's thanksgiving highlights the miraculous and liberating nature of their spiritual change.
* **"that ye were the servants of sin":** This clause vividly describes the former, pre-conversion state of the Roman believers. The imagery of being "servants" (slaves) of sin paints a stark picture of their previous bondage, where sin was their master, dictating their actions and leading them towards spiritual death. This acknowledgment of their past condition serves to magnify the grace of God in their deliverance.
* **"but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you":** This is the pivotal statement of transformation. The conjunction "but" introduces a powerful contrast to their former state. Their obedience is qualified as being "from the heart," indicating a genuine, internal, and sincere submission, rather than a forced or superficial compliance. The object of their obedience is "that form of doctrine which was delivered you," referring to the foundational teachings of the Christian faith—the Gospel message—which served as a divine pattern or mold that shaped their new lives and provided a new standard for living righteously. The phrase "was delivered you" emphasizes that this doctrine was a received truth, entrusted to them by God through His apostles or evangelists.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 6:17 is rich in **Imagery**, particularly the metaphor of **slavery**. Paul uses the powerful and relatable concept of being a "servant" or "slave" (`doûlos`) to vividly depict the oppressive dominion of sin over the unregenerate individual. This imagery creates a stark **Contrast** between their former bondage to sin and their new freedom found in obedience to God's truth. The phrase "form of doctrine" employs a **Metaphor** or **Analogy**, where "form" (`týpos`) suggests a mold or pattern. This implies that Christian doctrine is not merely intellectual information but a shaping force, a divine blueprint that imprints its character upon the lives of those who embrace it. The verse also exhibits **Parallelism** in its "but...but" structure, emphasizing the radical shift from one state to another, highlighting the profound spiritual transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 6:17 profoundly articulates the essence of Christian conversion: a radical shift in allegiance from the dominion of sin to the authority of God's truth. This transformation is not merely behavioral but originates from a regenerated heart, demonstrating that true faith results in genuine obedience. The "form of doctrine" points to the Gospel itself as the divine pattern for new life, emphasizing that sanctification is intrinsically linked to embracing and living out revealed truth. This verse thus serves as a powerful testament to the liberating power of the Gospel and the indispensable role of sound teaching in shaping the believer's walk.

* [Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Made Free from Sin, Became Servants of Righteousness")
* [2 Timothy 1:13](/2_timothy/1-13 "2 Timothy 1:13 - Hold Fast the Form of Sound Words")
* [1 Peter 1:22](/1_peter/1-22 "1 Peter 1:22 - Having Purified Your Souls by Your Obedience to the Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 6:17 invites profound reflection on the nature of our spiritual journey and the source of our transformation. It compels us to remember with gratitude the state from which we have been delivered—the bondage to sin—and to acknowledge that our liberation is solely God's gracious work. This verse challenges us to examine the depth of our obedience: is it merely external conformity, or does it flow genuinely "from the heart"? True Christian living is not about following rules begrudgingly, but about a sincere, internal desire to align our lives with the "form of doctrine" we have received. This "form" is the Gospel, the authoritative pattern for righteousness. Therefore, we are called to continually immerse ourselves in God's Word, allowing its truths to reshape our minds, motives, and actions, ensuring our lives bear the imprint of Christ rather than the residue of sin. Our gratitude for this freedom should fuel our ongoing, joyful submission to God's will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I still struggle with the lingering influence of my "former self" or "servant of sin" mentality?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate "obedience from the heart" to the "form of doctrine" I have received?**
* **What specific "form of doctrine" (biblical truths) have most profoundly shaped my life, and how can I allow them to continue to mold me more deeply?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of gratitude for God's deliverance from sin's dominion, as Paul expresses here?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "servants of sin"?**

Answer: When Paul refers to believers as having "were the servants of sin," he is using the powerful imagery of slavery to describe their former, unregenerate state. Before conversion, humanity is inherently rebellious against God and operates under the dominion of sin. This means that sin was their master, dictating their desires, choices, and actions, leading them away from God and towards spiritual death. It implies a state of being completely under sin's control, unable to break free by their own power, as further elaborated in [Romans 7:14-25](/romans/7-14-25 "Romans 7:14-25 - The Struggle with Sin").

**What is the "form of doctrine which was delivered you"?**

Answer: The "form of doctrine which was delivered you" refers to the foundational teachings of the Christian faith, specifically the Gospel message that the Roman believers had received and believed. The Greek word for "form" (_typos_) suggests a pattern, mold, or standard. This implies that the Christian doctrine they were taught was not just a set of abstract ideas, but a clear, authoritative blueprint for life and faith. It was a divine pattern that shaped their understanding of God, humanity, sin, salvation, and how to live righteously in Christ. This "doctrine" provided the new framework and standard for their transformed lives, in contrast to their previous way of life under sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 6:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, for it is through His perfect obedience and redemptive work that believers are liberated from the slavery of sin and empowered to obey God from the heart. Christ Himself is the ultimate "form of doctrine" – the living embodiment of God's truth and the perfect pattern for humanity. His life of sinless obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, broke the dominion of sin ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Man Crucified with Him")). By uniting with Christ through faith, believers are not merely given new rules to follow, but are given a new nature, empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling them to genuinely obey God's truth. The "doctrine" delivered to them is fundamentally the good news of Jesus Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection—which provides the very basis for their new identity and calling as "servants of righteousness" ([Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Servants of Righteousness")). Thus, the heartfelt obedience described in this verse is a direct result of Christ's work, mirroring His own perfect submission to the Father's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Believers are now conformed to the image of Christ, the true pattern, through the power of the Gospel ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

2 Timothy 1:13

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Romans 16:26

But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

2 Corinthians 2:14

Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Romans 1:8

¶ First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

3 John 1:3

¶ For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

Acts 11:18

When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.