Romans 6:20

20 For being previously the slaves of sin, now ye have been made the slaves of righteousness.

Romans 6:20 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 6:20

For when ye were the servants of sin
This is an argument used, or a reason given, why regenerate persons should be diligent in the service of righteousness; because when they were employed in the drudgery of sin, they

were free from righteousness;
they had no righteousness, nor were they desirous of any; yea, averse to it, threw off the yoke of the law of righteousness, and lived in a very unrighteous manner: hence may be observed what is the free will of man in an unregenerate state; not free to, but "from" righteousness; free enough to evil, but from all that is good; and also what obligation lies upon believers, who are delivered from the bondage of corruption, and the servitude of sin, to a life and service of righteousness; inasmuch as they were before free from it, and unconcerned about it, but are now made by the grace of God free to it, they ought therefore cheerfully to pursue it, and neglect no opportunity of performing it.

Romans 6:20 In-Context

18 and freed from sin, ye are become the slaves of righteousness.

19 I speak a human thing because of the weakness of our flesh: that as ye presented your members to serve uncleanness and iniquity unto iniquity, likewise now present your members to serve righteousness unto holiness.

20 For being previously the slaves of sin, now ye have been made the slaves of righteousness.

21 What fruit had ye then in those things of which ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

22 But now freed from sin and made slaves to God, ye have as your fruit sanctification and as the end, everlasting life.