Romans 5:12 – As through one man

Therefore, even as through one man sin entered into the world, and through sin death…

All of Paul’s speech, especially from this verse on, is based on historical data. Data that is neither questioned nor defended. Paul’s premise is taken from the historiography of the book of Genesis. It was one man, Adam, who, as the progenitor of all people, introduced sin into the world.

Theologians usually deny the historicity (i.e., the act of realization) of Adam’s transgression as described in Genesis 3. Or they question it (in good theological practice). “Indeed did Elohim say…?” (Gen.3: 1). But whoever takes that path is disqualified in advance to understand anything of Paul’s argument from here on out. Because everything stands or falls with the history of the first man Adam who sinned. A fact that was completely self-evident to Paul, as we also note elsewhere (Acts 17:26; 1 Cor.11: 8; 1 Tim.2: 13). Paul makes no effort to defend it, he assumes it beforehand.

The thrust of the first chapters of Genesis (however profound and richly symbolic!) Is not literary or moralistic. Genesis is about history and historical facts. 

Delen: