Audio commentary on this verse

Note 3 at Rom. 4:15: The law of God released the wrath of God (see note 4 at Jn. 3:36, p. 100). Without the law there was no wrath because without the law there was no transgression. First John 3:4 says, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." Therefore, before the law of God was given, men's sins were not being held against them (see note 2 at Rom. 5:13, p. 771).

This is why Abraham was not killed for marrying his half sister (see note 5 at Rom. 4:3, p. 761) and Jacob for marrying his wife's sister (Lev. 18:18). God had not given the law concerning these things yet and, therefore, there was no willful transgression on these men's part. So, when the law of God was introduced, sin revived and we died (see notes 3-4 at Rom. 7:9, pp. 787-788). The law produced death by releasing God's wrath against our sins (see note 4 at Rom. 3:19, p. 671).

Anyone who seeks to keep the law of God for the purpose of being justified in God's sight, will also release the wrath of God in their life. Praise God for Jesus who brought us out from under the law and put us under grace (Rom. 6:14).