Sin entered the experience of the human family through the disobedience of man; and as a result of sin, death became the fate of all (see on Rom. 6:23). If man had not sinned, men would not have died. If there had been no sin, men never would have seen death (see on Gen. 2:17; see PP 49, 51, 53).
By man.
Or, “through a man.” The reference is to Christ (cf. v. 22).
Resurrection.
Note that Paul is still following his theme of the resurrection. Since death came through a sinful man, it is appropriate, in the beautifully ordered plan of God, that deliverance from death should come through the sinless Man, Christ Jesus. Sin was introduced into the human race by one man; recovery from its effects would be by another Man.
By man.
Or, “through a man.” The reference is to Adam (cf. v. 22).
For since.
With this verse Paul introduces his comparison between the first and second Adams (vs. 21, 22, 45-47). The line of thought is closely paralleled in the Epistle to the Romans (see on ch. 5:12-19).