6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
In this verse, Apostle Paul sets forth the efficacy of Christ’s love towards us before justification: He had a love towards us when we were sinners, which prevailed with him to die for sinners; When we were yet without strength, Christ died for the ungodly.
Note here, 1. Man’s condition by nature describes a state of enmity, ungodly; and a state of impotency, without strength. We were without strength, and so wanted help; ungodly and so refused help. Man is but an impotent and obstinate creature; without power to resist justice and without affection to desire mercy: So weak, that he trembles at the appearance of a worm and yet so wicked that he lifts up his head against heaven. The state of unregeneracy is both a state of enmity and a state of impotency.
Note, 2. The way and means found out for our recovery, the death of Christ; When we were yet without strength, Christ died for us, Though he found the whole race of mankind buried in the ruins of their lapsed state, yet he did not leave them so but died for them.
Note, 3. The seasonableness of the means interposed for our recovery: It was in due time that Christ died; that is, in the fulness of time appointed by God the Father and determined in his decree and purpose.
Here we may remark, That Christ came not at the beginning of time, in the infancy and morning of the world (though it was then promised that he should come) nor yet did he stay till the best period and end of time, but came as it were in the middle of time, which is called the fulness of time, and here due time, Ga 4:4. Christ came not for our recover as soon as ever we were fallen, that mankind might be the more sensible of the badness of their condition: Had we been instantly apprehended the danger of our disease, nor esteemed the kindness of our Physician: Neither did he stay till the last period and end of time before he came, that the faith and expectation of his church might not be put upon too long and severe an exercise: The patriarchs believed in Christ that was to come; the apostles in Christ then present; and Christians now believe in him that long since did come, and is gone again. So that the apostle might well say here, That in due time Christ died.