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Lenten Season · Third Sunday in Lent · Year A

Romans 5:1-11

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
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelJohn 4:5-42Jn 4:5-42
EpistleRom. 5:1-11Rom 5:1-11
Old TestamentExod. 17:1-7Ex 17:1-7
PsalterPs. 95Ps 95

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 5:1-11Commentary on Rom 5:1-11 Working Preacher

The RCL commentary from Luther Seminary on peace with God and hope that does not disappoint, the exact verses read here.

Romans 5:1-11 - Center for Excellence in PreachingRom 5:1-11 - Center for Excellence in Preaching Center for Excellence in Preaching

Scott Hoezee's Reformed preaching commentary on justification by faith, suffering that produces hope, and reconciliation.

Romans 5 Commentary: Benefits of Being Justified through FaithRom 5 Commentary: Benefits of Being Justified through Faith Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik works through peace with God, the chain from suffering to hope, and Christ dying for the ungodly.

Romans 5:1 CommentariesRom 5:1 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentators compared side by side on 'being justified by faith, we have peace with God.'

Background & Word Study

Romans 5:1 InterlinearRom 5:1 Interlinear BibleHub

The Greek of 'we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ' word by word with parsing.

Book of Romans Overview (Part 2)Book of Rom Overview (Part 2) BibleProject

BibleProject's overview of Romans 5-16 sets the new life in Christ within Paul's argument.

The Church Fathers

Romans 5 - Catena Bible & CommentariesRom 5 - Catena Bible & Commentaries Catena

Patristic comment on peace with God and Adam-and-Christ gathered verse by verse from the early church.

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