Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 5:6

"For while we were yet weak, in due season Christ died for the ungodly." — Romans 5:6 (ASV)

For when, etc. This phrase introduces a new perspective on the subject, or it presents a new argument to show that our hope will not make us ashamed or disappoint us.

The first argument, which he had stated in the previous verse, was that the Holy Ghost was given to us. The next argument, which he now states, is that God had given the most ample proof that He would save us by giving His Son when we were sinners. He reasons that the One who had done so much for us when we were enemies would not now fail us when we are His friends (Romans 5:6–10).

He has performed the more difficult part of the work by reconciling us when we were enemies; and He will not now forsake us, but will carry forward and complete what He has begun.

We were yet without strength. The word used here (asyenwn) is usually applied to those who are sick and feeble, deprived of strength by disease (Matthew 25:39; Luke 10:9; Acts 4:9; Acts 5:15).

But it is also used in a moral sense, to denote inability or feebleness with regard to any undertaking or duty. Here it means that we were without strength in regard to the case which the apostle was considering; that is, we had no power to devise a scheme of justification, to make an atonement, or to put away the wrath of God, etc. While all hope of our being saved by any plan of our own was thus taken away—while we were thus lying exposed to Divine justice, and dependent on the mere mercy of God—God provided a plan which met the case and secured our salvation. The apostle's remark here refers only to the condition of the human race before an atonement is made. It does not pertain to the question of whether humanity has strength to repent and believe after an atonement is made, which is a very different inquiry.

In due time. Margin: According to the time (kata kairon). This means in a timely manner, or at the proper time. Galatians 4:4 states, But when the fulness of time was come, etc. This may mean:

1. That it was a fit or proper time. All experiments had failed to save humanity. For four thousand years, the trial had been made: among the Jews, under the law; and in Greece and Rome, by the aid of the most enlightened reason. Still, it was in vain. No scheme had been devised to meet the maladies of the world or to save people from death. It was then time that a better plan should be presented.

2. That it was the time fixed and appointed by God for the Messiah to come; the time which had been designated by the prophets (Genesis 49:10; Daniel 9:24–27). (John 17:1).

3. That it was a most favourable time for the spread of the gospel. The world was expecting such an event. It was at peace and largely subjected to Roman power. These conditions furnished facilities never before experienced for introducing the gospel rapidly into every land (See Barnes on Matthew 2:1-2).

For the ungodly. This refers to those who do not worship God. It here means sinners in general and does not differ materially from what is meant by the word translated "without strength" (See Barnes on Romans 4:5).