The Many

THE MANY
(by Charles Watson – CW)

Some ask, Why does it say “the many” instead of “all men” in Roman 5:19?

“for as through the disobedience of the one man, the many were constituted sinners: so also through the obedience of the one, shall the many be constituted righteous.” (Romans 5:19)

This is because the one disobedient man (Adam), and the One righteous Man (Christ) are put in a class by themselves. They are in contrast with “the many.”

We may put it as follows:
The one disobedient man plus “the many” equals all mankind made sinners.
The One obedient Man plus “the many” equals all mankind made righteous.

That “the one” plus “the many” made sinners includes all mankind no one will deny.

Even so, “the One” plus “the many” made righteous is all-inclusive and guarantees the salvation of all mankind.

<CW>

My comments:

Interesting accuracy to the last word (literally).

Except one “clarification” which I would propose (so that those who don’t see, may see):

1. In the first contrast, “the disobedient one” (Adam) + “the many” (mankind excluding Adam & Christ) = were the “all men” (Adam + rest of mankind = made sinners)

2. In the second contrast, “the Obedient One” (Jesus) made “the many” (mankind excluding Christ) = the “all men” (Adam + rest of mankind = made righteous “in Christ”)

Thus it’s true that Scripture is accurate to its last dot or jot.

Indeed, all Scripture Will be fulfilled to the last dot (jot)!

As Lord Jesus Christ Himself said:

“For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” (Matthew 5:18)