Romans 5:13-Sin and Death before Moses

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runnerryan

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Romans 5:13 says

Sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law.

I’ve always had problems trying to figure out this passage. It seems to say that until Moses was given the Law people weren’t responsible for their sins. To say the least this doesn’t seem to fit with what the rest of Romans when it comes to responsibility for sin. Has anyone thought about some ways to see how this verse fits with the rest of Romans?
 
Men were still accountable for violating “natural law,” which is written on the hearts of all men everywhere. What Paul is talking about it the direct revelation of the Law of Moses. Those not under the Law of Moses could not be held accountable for breaking them, but Paul is not saying there was no accountability at all. He goes out of his way to tell us they were accountable for what they knew elsewhere. Here is only making one point about one thing, not making a blanket statement about other kinds of accountability. Does that help?
 
It does help. Thats the direction I’ve been leaning in. Do you know any resources/commentaries/theologians who develop this argument?
 
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