Romans 3:8 Meaning: Paul Rejects Doing Evil for Good
Why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), “Let’s do evil, that good may come?” Those who say so are justly condemned.
And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
and why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), Let us do evil, that good may come? whose condemnation is just.
and not, as we are evil spoken of, and as certain affirm us to say--`We may do the evil things, that the good ones may come?' whose judgment is righteous.
and not, according as we are injuriously charged, and according as some affirm that we say, Let us practise evil things, that good ones may come? whose judgment is just.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul firmly rejects the slander that grace encourages sin, and condemns the idea of doing evil for good. What this means for us.
Context
Paul has been arguing that God saves people by faith, not by their own good works (Romans 3:21-31). But some objectors twisted this into a dangerous charge: if our sin shows God’s grace more clearly, why not sin more to get more grace? Paul has already called this idea unthinkable in verse 6. Now in verse 8 he names the slander directly. His opponents were spreading a rumour that he taught “Let us do evil, that good may come.” Paul will have none of it. He says such people are justly condemned. This is the climax of his rebuttal before he moves to show that all people, Jew and Gentile, are under sin.
Key Words
Two Greek words stand out here. The verb blasphēmoumetha (we are slanderously reported) is the same word used for blasphemy against God. Paul does not mince words: the lies about his gospel are that serious. And the noun krima (condemnation) is paired with endikon (just), a legal term meaning “according to what is right.” When Paul says their condemnation is just, he is not being vindictive. He is stating that the moral universe itself cannot tolerate the idea of doing evil to produce good. The word for evil (kaka) means “worthless, harmful, wrong.” The word for good (agatha) means “useful, upright, excellent.” You cannot get excellent fruit from rotten roots.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians from different traditions agree that Paul strongly rejects doing evil for good, but they read the context differently. Wesleyan commentators like Adam Clarke focus on the slander against the apostles and the “impious sentiment” of the charge itself. Reformed voices like Calvin and Gill see the slander as a distortion of the doctrines of grace and unconditional election, and they emphasize that God’s glory coming from sin is the work of providence, not human permission. The Cambridge Bible notes that Paul’s opponents inside the church twisted his teaching on free pardon. Across traditions, all agree: the principle “let us do evil that good may come” is false and carries its own judgment.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think Paul is quoting a Bible verse or a legitimate Christian saying when he writes “Let us do evil, that good may come.” In fact, Paul is exposing a slander against him. He never taught this. He calls it a lie from his opponents, and he says those who spread it deserve condemnation. The error is treating his rhetorical question as his own position, when he is actually quoting the false charge against him.
Living This Out
This verse asks us to examine our hearts. Have you ever made a small compromise because you thought the outcome would be good? Maybe you told a half-truth to avoid hurting someone’s feelings, or you cut a corner at work to get ahead. Paul says no. Good ends never justify wrong means. God’s grace is not a license to sin; it is power to live differently. This week, when you are tempted to think a little wrong can bring a big good, remember Paul’s strong words. The way of Christ is never to do evil for any reason.
Main takeaway: God’s grace never gives us permission to sin, even if we imagine some good could come from it.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Some people said Paul taught that it is okay to do bad things if good things happen later. Paul said, “No, that is wrong!” We should never do something wrong to get something good. God’s way is always good.
For ages 9, 12
Paul’s enemies spread a rumour that he said, “Let’s do evil so that good will come.” Paul was angry. He knew that God’s grace does not give us permission to sin. Even if we think a wrong choice could lead to a good result, it is still wrong. Paul said those who teach that are justly condemned. Our job is to obey God, not to use grace as an excuse for sin.
Questions People Ask
Why did people slander Paul by saying he taught "do evil that good may come"?
Paul preached that God saves people by grace through faith, not by their own good works. Some opponents twisted this to claim Paul was saying sin doesn't matter, so you might as well sin more so God's grace gets even more glory. Paul never taught that. He calls it a slander, and he firmly rejects it.
What does 'justly condemned' mean in Romans 3:8?
The phrase means that anyone who teaches or lives by the principle 'let us do evil that good may come' deserves the judgment of God. Paul uses a legal word (krima) for a verdict, and he says that verdict is 'just', it fits the crime. It is not about Paul being angry; it is about the moral order of the universe.
Does this verse mean Christians should never do anything wrong, even if it seems to help others?
Yes, that is exactly the point. Paul is saying good intentions do not make wrong actions right. Even if you think a lie or a compromise will bring a good result, it is still sin. God never needs our sin to accomplish His good purposes.
How does Romans 3:8 connect with Romans 6:1?
In Romans 6:1 Paul asks, 'Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?' and immediately answers, 'May it never be!' That is the same logic as Romans 3:8. Paul consistently rejects the idea that grace gives us freedom to sin. Both verses show that God's grace leads to holiness, not license.
Is Paul quoting an actual saying from the Bible when he writes 'Let us do evil, that good may come'?
No, Paul is not quoting Scripture. He is quoting the false accusation that his enemies were spreading about him. The phrase is a slanderous summary of what they claimed his gospel taught. Paul calls it lies and says those who spread it are justly condemned.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study