Romans 6:18

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Being {G1659} then {G1161} made free {G1659} from {G575} sin {G266}, ye became the servants {G1402} of righteousness {G1343}.

and after you had been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.

You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness.

Commentary on Romans 6:18 (KJV)

This verse concludes a powerful section in Romans where the Apostle Paul addresses the misconception that since grace abounds, believers can continue in sin. Having established that true conversion involves a decisive break with the dominion of sin, he states the new reality for those in Christ.

Context

Romans chapter 6 explores the profound implications of a believer's union with Jesus Christ through baptism. Paul argues that just as Christ died to sin once for all and was raised to new life, believers have also died to the power of sin and are raised to walk in newness of life. The preceding verses (Romans 6:16-17) highlight the stark contrast between being servants of sin leading to death and obeying the gospel from the heart, which leads to righteousness. Verse 18 summarizes this transition.

Key Themes

  • Freedom from Sin: The verse declares that believers are "made free from sin." This doesn't mean the absence of temptation or the possibility of sinning, but rather a liberation from sin's absolute reign and mastery over one's life. The power that once held us captive has been broken.
  • Change of Master: Freedom from one master (sin) results in becoming servants (or slaves) of another master (righteousness). There is no neutral ground; allegiance is simply transferred.
  • Servitude to Righteousness: This new servitude is not bondage in a negative sense, but a willing submission to God's will and a life characterized by doing what is right in His eyes. It is the natural outflow of the new life received in Christ, a life empowered by the Spirit.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "servants" is douloi (δοῦλοι), which literally means slaves. Paul deliberately uses this strong term to emphasize the complete transfer of ownership and allegiance. Just as a slave belonged entirely to their master, believers now belong entirely to God and are committed to serving righteousness. This contrasts sharply with being servants of sin unto death mentioned earlier in the chapter.

Reflection and Application

Romans 6:18 challenges believers to live consistently with their new identity. If we have truly been set free from sin's dominion through Christ, our lives should reflect this by actively pursuing and serving righteousness. This means making conscious choices daily to obey God's commands, cultivate holy habits, and reject the influences of the former master. Our actions are evidence of who we truly serve. This new servitude is not a burden, but a joyful response to the grace that has set us free.

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.

  • Romans 6:22

    But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

  • Galatians 5:1

    ¶ Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

  • Romans 8:2

    For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

  • John 8:32

    And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

  • Romans 6:7

    For he that is dead is freed from sin.

  • Romans 6:14

    For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

  • Isaiah 54:17

    No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.

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