Romans 6:20 – “When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Paul’s teaching about the contrast between a life ruled by sin and a life ruled by righteousness. Paul describes what life was like before a person comes to faith in Jesus. He says that before salvation, people are slaves to sin, meaning they are under its complete control. Sin is their master, and they live according to its desires.

Paul also makes an interesting statement: “you were free from the control of righteousness.” This does not mean that sinful people are truly free. Instead, it means that they had no connection to righteousness. They had no desire to obey God, no ability to live in a way that pleased Him, and no power to break free from sin on their own.

This verse explains why people who do not know Christ often live without concern for God’s ways. They are not influenced by righteousness because they are controlled by sin. Paul’s point is that every person is under the rule of something—either sin or righteousness. There is no middle ground.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to Christians in Rome, many of whom had lived sinful lives before coming to Christ. The Roman culture was full of immorality, idol worship, and selfish desires. Before these people believed in Jesus, they lived just like everyone else around them. They did not think about righteousness or obedience to God because sin was their natural way of life.

Slavery was a common reality in Rome. People understood that a slave had no rights of their own but belonged completely to their master. Paul uses this idea to explain the spiritual condition of every person. Before Christ, they belonged to sin. They did not belong to righteousness, and they had no ability to choose righteousness on their own.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important spiritual truths:

1. Before salvation, every person is a slave to sin. No one is spiritually neutral. People either belong to sin or to God.
2. Sin blinds people to righteousness. Before knowing Christ, people do not naturally desire to live according to God’s ways.
3. True freedom does not exist apart from Christ. Some people think that living in sin means they are “free,” but Paul shows that sin is actually slavery.
4. A person’s spiritual condition before Christ is helpless. They are not only guilty of sin, but they are also controlled by it and unable to break free on their own.

Paul’s words remind believers that their salvation is not just about forgiveness—it is about a complete change in their spiritual condition. They are no longer slaves to sin but have been given new life in Christ.

Literary Analysis

Romans 6:20 is structured as a statement of contrast. Paul is emphasizing the before and after of a believer’s life:

• Before Christ: “You were slaves to sin.”
• What that meant: “You were free from the control of righteousness.”

The word “slaves” here is key. Paul is showing that sin is not just something people do—it is something that controls them. The phrase “free from the control of righteousness” does not mean a good kind of freedom. It means separation from righteousness, unable to live for God.

This verse sets up the next section, where Paul will explain the results of serving sin versus serving righteousness.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 8:34 – “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.’” Jesus confirms that sin is not just an action but a form of slavery.
• Ephesians 2:1-3 – “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins… following the ways of this world.” Before salvation, people are spiritually dead and controlled by sin.
• Titus 3:3 – “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.” Paul describes the same idea—life before Christ is slavery to sin.
• Colossians 1:13 – “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.” Salvation is a transfer from slavery to sin into God’s kingdom.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse helps Christians understand the seriousness of sin. Many people believe that those who do not follow Christ are spiritually neutral—they are simply “good people” making their own choices. But Paul makes it clear that before knowing Christ, every person is a slave to sin.

For today’s believers, this verse serves as a reminder of what they have been saved from. They are no longer under sin’s control, and they should not return to their old ways. Instead of longing for the past, they should be thankful for their new life in Christ.

It also reminds Christians to have compassion for those who do not know Christ. People who live in sin are not just making bad choices—they are trapped. Only Jesus can set them free.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Some might wonder: If God is loving, why does He allow people to be slaves to sin? The truth is that God created people to live in relationship with Him, but sin separates them from Him. God, in His love, sent Jesus to rescue people from their slavery to sin.

This verse does not mean that God abandons people to sin. Instead, it highlights why salvation is such a great act of love. God does not leave people stuck in their sinful condition—He offers them a way out. His love is shown in how He calls people out of slavery to sin and into a life of righteousness.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the one who breaks the power of sin. Without Him, people remain trapped, unable to live righteously. But through Him, people are set free and given a new life.

Some key verses that highlight this:

• Romans 8:2 – “Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Jesus is the one who frees people from sin’s control.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Jesus brings transformation.
• John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” Jesus is the only way to freedom from sin.

Without Jesus, no one can escape the power of sin. But through Him, believers are no longer slaves to sin—they are free to live for God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Before you came to know Christ, how did sin control your life?
2. How does this verse change your understanding of what it means to be “free”?
3. Why do people often think they are free when they are actually slaves to sin?
4. How can you remind yourself daily that you are no longer under sin’s control?
5. How can this verse help you share the gospel with those who do not yet know Christ?