“And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.”
Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—'Let us do evil that good may come'? Their condemnation is just. Paul rejects both the objection and any suggestion that his gospel of grace licenses libertinism. Those who genuinely teach evil for the sake of good deserve condemnation (krima). The gospel's freedom is not freedom from moral obligation but freedom for the fulfillment of righteousness.
Church Fathers on Romans 3:8
“If not (as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil that good may come? Whose damnation is just.” For whereas Paul said, “where sin abounded grace did much more abound” Romans 5:20, in ridicule of him and perverting what he said to another meaning, they said, We must cling to vice that we may get what is good. But Paul said not so; however to correct this notion it is that he says, “What then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid!” (ib. 6:1, 2.) For I…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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