Romans 6:17

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.

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}.

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

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.

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 on Romans 6:17 (KJV)

Romans 6:17 expresses Paul's profound gratitude for the transformative power of the Gospel in the lives of believers in Rome. This verse contrasts their former state of spiritual bondage with their new reality of heartfelt obedience to divine truth.

Context

This verse is situated within Paul's broader argument in Romans 6, where he addresses the implications of a believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection. Having established that believers are "dead to sin" (Romans 6:2) and no longer under its dominion, Paul shifts from a theological explanation to a practical commendation. He has just urged them not to let sin reign in their mortal bodies (Romans 6:12) and not to yield their members as instruments of unrighteousness (Romans 6:13). Verse 17 serves as a thankful affirmation that, by God's grace, they have indeed embraced this new life.

Key Themes

  • Divine Gratitude: The opening phrase, "But God be thanked," sets a tone of immense thankfulness for the spiritual liberation and transformation experienced by the Roman believers. It highlights that this change is not by human effort alone but by divine intervention.
  • Transformation from Slavery to Sin: Paul explicitly states their former condition: "ye were the servants of sin." This imagery depicts a life lived under the oppressive control and mastery of sin, leading to death (Romans 6:23). The contrast is stark, emphasizing the radical change brought about by their conversion.
  • Heartfelt Obedience: The pivotal change is described as "ye have obeyed from the heart." This signifies a genuine, internal submission to God's will and truth, not merely an external or superficial compliance. True Christian obedience flows from a regenerated heart, marked by a sincere desire to please God.
  • The Power of Sound Doctrine: The phrase "that form of doctrine which was delivered you" refers to the foundational teachings of the Christian faith, particularly the Gospel message. This "form" (Greek: typos) implies a pattern or mold, suggesting that the truth they received shaped their lives and provided a new standard for living. It underscores the importance of the content of belief in bringing about spiritual transformation.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Servants of sin" (Greek: douloi tēs hamartias): The term douloi means "slaves," emphasizing a state of complete subjugation and ownership. It paints a vivid picture of being entirely at the disposal of sin's dictates.
  • "Obeyed from the heart" (Greek: hypēkousate ek kardias): This highlights the sincerity and internal nature of their submission. It's not just intellectual assent or outward conformity, but a deep, genuine response originating from their inner being. This stands in contrast to merely outward religious observance.
  • "Form of doctrine" (Greek: typos didachēs): Typos refers to a pattern, mold, or standard. It suggests that the Christian teaching they received was a clear, authoritative blueprint for faith and life, which they willingly allowed to shape them. Didachē simply means "teaching" or "doctrine."

Practical Application

Romans 6:17 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  1. Acknowledge Past Bondage: It encourages us to remember our former state of being enslaved to sin, fostering humility and gratitude for God's liberating grace.
  2. Embrace Heartfelt Obedience: Our faith should manifest not just in outward actions but in a deep, internal desire to obey God. This "obedience from the heart" is a hallmark of true conversion and spiritual maturity.
  3. Value Sound Doctrine: The verse underscores the vital role of biblical truth in transforming lives. It reminds us to cling to and be shaped by the "form of doctrine" – the unchanging truths of the Gospel – as it provides the pattern for righteous living. As 2 Timothy 1:13 encourages, we are to hold fast to sound words.
  4. Live in Gratitude: Paul's opening "God be thanked" invites us to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness for the freedom from sin that we have received through Christ, allowing this gratitude to fuel our continued walk of obedience and service to God, now as "servants of righteousness" (Romans 6:18).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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