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Lent · Third Sunday in Lent · Year A

Romans 5:1-8

Peace and Joy

March 8, 2026

The Crucifixion, Gerard David
The Crucifixion, Gerard David, about 1495The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Christ hangs alone on the cross over a quiet Flemish landscape, mourned by Mary, John and Saint Jerome, with a kneeling woman who commissioned the panel.For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly … But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.Gerard DavidThe leading painter of Bruges after Memling, known for his calm, glowing devotional panels.The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New YorkThe Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
LSB Three-Year Lectionary
GospelJohn 4:5-26 (27-30, 39-42)Jn 4:5-26 (27-30, 39-42)
EpistleRom. 5:1-8Rom 5:1-8
Old TestamentExod. 17:1-7Ex 17:1-7
PsalterPs. 95:1-9Ps 95:1-9

Overview & Insights

“Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

Romans 5 has been much debated in terms of its context: does it belong with 1:18–4:25, or does it begin a new unit?1Most scholars today believe that although chapter 5 does connect back to 1:18–4:25 (since the topic of justification so pervasive there occurs also in 5:1, 9, 16–19, 21), it most likely begins a new unit that concludes in 8:39. Several arguments indicate that this is the case. First, the opening words of 5:1, “Since we have been justified by faith,” summarize the theme of 1:18–4:25 while preparing the way for a new topic. Second, the polemical tone of 1:18–4:25 is replaced in chapter 5 with one of camaraderie, signaled by Paul’s use of the first-person plural. Third, the prevalence of key vocabulary from Romans 1:17—“the righteous will live by faith”—indicates that a shift in focus occurs between 1:18–4:25 and 5:1–8:39.

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Commentary

Commentary on Romans 5:1-8Commentary on Rom 5:1-8 Working Preacher

Lectionary commentary on peace with God and suffering that produces hope.

Romans 5 CommentaryRom 5 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik's verse-by-verse notes on the benefits of justification and God's demonstrated love.

Romans 5:1 CommentariesRom 5:1 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentaries collected for having peace with God through faith.

Romans 5 ResourcesRom 5 Resources Precept Austin

Precept Austin's collected commentaries and sermons on Romans 5.

Romans 5:1-8 CommentaryRom 5:1-8 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

Reformed sermon commentary on Christ dying for us while we were still powerless.

Background & Word Study

Romans 5:1 InterlinearRom 5:1 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek text and word study for peace, justification, and reconciliation.

Overview: RomansOverview: Rom BibleProject

Animated overview of the letter's flow from justification to new life.

Sacrifice and Atonement BibleProject

Background on the sacrificial logic behind Christ dying for sinners.

The Church Fathers

Catena: Romans 5Catena: Rom 5 Catena

Patristic comment on reconciliation and God's love poured into our hearts.

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