Audio commentary on this verse

Note 3 at Rom. 5:2: The Greek word that was translated "access" here is the word "prosagoge" and literally means "admission." It was only used three times in the New Testament and it was translated "access" each time (here; Eph. 2:18; 3:12). Faith is our admission or ticket into the grace of God. No one is allowed in without a ticket. Our own good works won't grant us admission. God's grace can only be accessed by faith.

Note 4 at Rom. 5:2: The Greek word that is translated "rejoice" here is the same word that is translated "glory" in the next verse and "joy" in verse 11. That Greek word is "kauchaomai" meaning "to vaunt (in a good or bad sense)." It is derived from an obsolete root word -"aucheo"- meaning "to boast." Paul was rejoicing because of the grace that had been given him and the hope of being glorified with Jesus.

Anybody could rejoice because of those good things, but Paul went on to say that he had the same rejoicing even in the midst of tribulation. Not many people rejoice during the hard times. But Paul could make this boast because he was totally convinced of the faithfulness and unconditional grace of God. Those who can't rejoice during tribulation are not convinced.

Note 5 at Rom. 5:2: Rejoicing and hope are very closely related. We cannot rejoice in trying times if we have no hope. Therefore, hope is very important in the Christian life (see note 12 at Rom. 5:4, p. 770).

Note 6 at Rom. 5:2: The hope that Paul is rejoicing in here is probably what he called the blessed hope in Titus 2:13. In that instance, Paul was clearly referring to the second coming of Jesus. Therefore, what Paul is probably speaking of here is the return of Jesus and becoming like Him (1 Jn. 3:1-2).