You asked

what was the common understanding of 'sin' and 'grace' in paul's time and how did he redefine it?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Romans 5:20-21

“The law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace abounded more exceedingly; that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The Apostle Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining how God's rescue (salvation) works through faith in Jesus, not adherence to the Jewish Law. In this section, he's contrasting the role of the Law with the superabundance of God's grace.

What does it mean for grace to 'abound more exceedingly' in your life or community today?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Romans 6:14
Paul assures that believers are not under law but under grace, expanding on this contrast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
This passage reiterates that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works.
Isaiah 1:18
An Old Testament prophet speaks of God's willingness to forgive even deep sin, foreshadowing abounding grace.

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