Romans 6:17-18
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Paul's "thanks be to God" isn't just for their past, but highlights the radical transformation: "that whereas you were slaves of sin," it emphasizes the stark contrast with their present, hearty obedience. This is a gratitude for a profound change, not for the state of sin itself, framing their new life as a gift received into a "mold of teaching" that reshapes them.
But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is responding to a potential misunderstanding of his teaching on freedom from sin and the law. He's just argued that believers are no longer slaves to sin because they are under grace, not the law. This verse highlights a profound transformation: acknowledging their past bondage to sin, he expresses immense gratitude that they now willingly obey the core teachings of the gospel from their very hearts.
Paul starts this verse with a powerful expression of gratitude. What's the real reason for his thanks?
The phrase 'But God be thanked' isn't just a polite opening; it signals a dramatic turning point. Paul isn't thanking God that the Roman believers were slaves of sin. Instead, he's expressing deep gratitude for the transformation that occurred.
Paul points to a 'standard of teaching.' What does this mean, and why is it so important for our obedience?
The phrase 'standard of teaching' (or 'form of doctrine') refers to the core truths and patterns of Christian instruction. It's not just abstract theology, but the very shape and mold of the Gospel message that transforms.
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Understand the original words
kardias · Greek Noun
The core seat of human personality, encompassing the intellect, will, emotions, and moral decision-making. Obedience that is "from the heart" is genuine, internal, and sincere, rather than merely external or ritualistic.
typon didaches · Greek Noun phrase
A structured body of Christian doctrine or authoritative instruction handed down by the apostles. It refers to the apostolic message that establishes the boundaries and content of the Christian faith.
eleutherothentes · Greek Verb/Participle
The state of having been released from the power, penalty, and dominion of a previous master (sin/death). In Christ, this freedom is not license to do as one pleases, but liberation to serve God.
Paul's profound gratitude in this verse stems from witnessing the radical transformation of believers in Rome. Many had transitioned from lives dominated by pagan idolatry and sin to wholeheartedly embracing the 'type of doctrine' – the core teachings and way of life – of Christ, demonstrating the life-changing power of the gospel in a context often hostile to it.
c. AD 30-33
Pentecost and the Birth of the Church
Following Jesus' resurrection and ascension, the Holy Spirit empowers the apostles in Jerusalem, leading to the conversion of thousands and the formation of the early Christian church. This event marks the beginning of the spread of the gospel message.
c. AD 30-50
Expansion of Christianity in the Roman Empire
The gospel spreads rapidly beyond Jerusalem, reaching major centers like Antioch, Corinth, and Rome. This period sees the establishment of numerous Christian communities, often facing initial suspicion and persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul Writes Romans from Corinth
The Apostle Paul, while ministering in Corinth, writes his Epistle to the Romans. He addresses a church he has not personally founded, seeking to establish a theological foundation for Jewish and Gentile believers and prepare them for his eventual visit.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome and Early Persecution
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading Emperor Nero to blame and persecute the burgeoning Christian community. This event intensifies Roman awareness and suspicion of Christians, marking a significant escalation of persecution.
Paul uses a similar metaphor of 'forming Christ' within believers, echoing the 'form of doctrine' in Romans 6:17 that shapes a person's life.
Colossians 1:21-22This passage highlights the transformation from being alienated enemies to being reconciled and presented holy, echoing the shift from slavery to sin to obedience to doctrine.
Jeremiah 31:33This Old Testament prophecy speaks of God's law being written on the heart, which parallels the 'obedience from the heart' mentioned in Romans 6:17, indicating an internal transformation.
1 Peter 1:14-15Peter urges believers to live as obedient children, no longer conforming to former sinful desires, which directly relates to the concept of ceasing to be slaves of sin and obeying sound teaching.
John 8:34-36Jesus explains that whoever commits sin is a slave to sin, but the Son sets people free, providing the essential freedom that allows for true obedience to God, as seen in Romans 6:17.
henryRomans 6:16-20: "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
6:16-20 Every man is the servant of the master to whose commands he yields himself; whether it be the sinful dispositions of his heart, in actions which lead to death, or the new and spiritual obedience implanted by regeneration. The apostle rejoiced now they obeyed from the heart the gospel, into which they were de…
barnesRomans 6:17: "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you."
But God be thanked - The argument in this verse is drawn from a direct appeal to the feelings of the Roman Christians themselves. From their experience, Paul was able to draw a demonstration to his purpose, and this was with him a ground of gratitude to God. That ye were ... - The sense of this passage is plain. The ground Of the thanksgiving was…
Paul's "thanks be to God" isn't just for their past, but highlights the radical transformation: "that whereas you were slaves of sin," it emphasizes the stark contrast with their present, hearty obedience. This is a gratitude for a profound change, not for the state of sin itself, framing their new life as a gift received into a "mold of teaching" that reshapes them.
Paul is responding to a potential misunderstanding of his teaching on freedom from sin and the law. He's just argued that believers are no longer slaves to sin because they are under grace, not the law. This verse highlights a profound transformation: acknowledging their past bondage to sin, he expresses immense gratitude that they now willingly obey the core teachings of the gospel from their very hearts.
Paul is responding to a potential misunderstanding of his teaching on freedom from sin and the law. He's just argued that believers are no longer slaves to sin because they are under grace, not the law. This verse highlights a profound transformation: acknowledging their past bondage to sin, he expresses immense gratitude that they now willingly obey the core teachings of the gospel from their very hearts.
"But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness." — Paul's "thanks be to God" isn't just for their past, but highlights the radical transformation: "that whereas you were slaves of sin," it emphasizes the stark contrast with their present, hearty ob…
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Last reviewed October 2026
