Paul now embarks on a bold typological contrast between Adam and Christ. He continues the train of thought already begun in chapter 5, however, for verse 12 begins, “on account of this,” or therefore, which links 5:12–21 to 5:1–11. Paul’s purpose is to illustrate that the work of redemption has universal significance. The focus shifts from our redemption in the first person plural in 5:1–11 to the two seminal figures of humanity, Adam and Christ, in the third person singular. Heretofore the gospel has been discussed primarily in relation to Israel (e.g., the law, chs. 2–3; and Abraham, ch. 4), but Paul now extends his purview to show that Jesus not only fulfills the promise given to Abraham, but also mends a deeper, fundamental rift stemming from Adam himself. In so doing he elevates Chris…