What’s the meaning of a “good man” in Romans 5?
Although I have commented on this passage previously, for example in Romans A-Z and also in the Living NT Commentary, I'd like to offer an alternative view. But first, the passage. Notice the difference between these two versions:
- Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die (Rom 5:7 NIV).
- For one will rarely die for a righteous person; for perhaps someone may even dare to die for the good person (Rom 5:7 DLNT).
Do you see the difference? It's a matter of the definite article. Is it "a good person" or "the good person"? Literally, the good person. If this is to guide our interpretation, then perhaps the 3rd-century Egyptian theologian is on target:
“Since everyone has recognized the great generosity of Christ toward us, and since love for him is inspired in every heart, each of us is ready not only to die on behalf of this good man but even to die courageously. We often see this happening when those to whom the love of Christ has been shed abroad and with great courage present themselves to their persecutors and confess the name of Christ openly before angels and humans… So scarcely anyone is prepared to die for a righteous man. But on behalf of this good man someone might be ready to die and to confront death with confidence.” — Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD) Commentary on Romans
In which case the good person is Jesus Christ.
