How does Romans 3:8 address the issue of justifying sin for a good outcome? Text Of Romans 3:8 “And why not say, ‘Let us do evil that good may result’?—as some slanderously claim that we say. Their condemnation is just!” Canonical Context Romans is Paul’s systematic exposition of the gospel. Chapters 1–3 establish universal guilt. Romans 3:8 falls inside Paul’s rebuttal of objections raised by those who distort his teaching on grace. The verse categorically rejects the notion that sin can ever be justified by a supposedly beneficial outcome. Immediate Literary Setting (Romans 3:5-9) • vv. 5-6: An objector argues, “If our unrighteousness highlights God’s righteousness, isn’t God unjust to judge us?” • vv. 7-8: The argument escalates: “If my lie glorifies God, why am I still judged? Why not do evil so good may come?” Paul answers with the terse verdict: “Their condemnation is just!” He offers no extended rebuttal; the proposal is self-evidently immoral. Paul’S Rhetorical Strategy Paul employs diatribe—a question-and-answer style common in Greco-Roman discourse. He voices the critic’s objection, then immediately pronounces judgment. By doing so he: a) exposes the absurdity (reductio ad absurdum), b) distances himself from the slander, c) upholds God’s justice without compromise. The Phrase “Let Us Do Evil That Good May Result” The Greek mê geneito (“May it never be!”) appears in v. 6 and again in 6:1-2 to crush antinomian logic. The phrase reflects utilitarian ethics before their time—ends justify means. Paul dismisses such teleological reasoning as contrary to divine nature and moral law. Condemnation Of Antinomianism Romans 6:1-2,15; Galatians 5:13; and Jude 4 echo the same warning: grace does not license sin. Scripture presents obedience as the inevitable fruit of genuine faith (John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-4). Any teaching that nullifies moral accountability is branded a “different gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9). Ethical And Theological Principles a) God’s ends never require evil means (Habakkuk 1:13; James 1:13). b) Moral law reflects God’s unchanging character (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15-16). c) Consequentialism collapses because outcomes are God’s domain; obedience is ours (Deuteronomy 29:29). d) Divine justice demands punishment of sin regardless of perceived benefits (Romans 2:5-6). Cross-Reference Survey • Isaiah 5:20—Woe to those who call evil good. • Proverbs 17:15—Acquitting the wicked is an abomination. • 1 Samuel 15:22-23—Obedience outweighs sacrifice. • 1 Peter 2:15—Doing good silences ignorant talk, not doing evil. • Genesis 50:20—God can overrule evil for good, yet perpetrators remain culpable. Historical And Manuscript Support Papyrus 46 (c. AD 175-225) and Codex Vaticanus (4th cent.) contain Romans 3:8 virtually identical to the wording, attesting textual stability. No major variant alters the condemnation of utilitarian sin. Early patristic citations (e.g., Origen, Chrysostom) confirm the verse’s integrity and its anti-antinomian interpretation. Patistic And Reformed Commentary • Augustine, Contra Faustum 22.27: “We may not do evil for any good; otherwise the good itself would not be good.” • Calvin, Institutes 3.18.5: “God’s providence uses sinful acts, yet the guilt adheres to the actors.” These voices align with Paul: God overrules evil; He never authorizes it. Contemporary Applications • Medical ethics: ends-driven arguments for abortion, euthanasia, or embryonic research clash with Romans 3:8. • Political intrigue: “dirty hands” theories fail under Paul’s verdict. • Personal life: cheating “for the family’s good,” pirating software “for ministry,” or lying “to protect feelings” stands condemned. Pastoral Counsel When tempted to excuse sin by appealing to a supposed greater good, believers must recall: 1) God can accomplish His purposes without our compromise (1 Corinthians 10:13). 2) True good is inseparable from holiness (Micah 6:8). 3) The gospel grants power to obey, not a loophole to transgress (Titus 2:11-12). Summary Romans 3:8 categorically forbids justifying sin on utilitarian grounds. Paul dismisses the slander that grace promotes evil, declaring such thinkers rightly condemned. The verse safeguards the consistency of God’s character, affirms the reliability of moral law, and instructs believers to pursue righteousness irrespective of pragmatic calculations. |
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