In chapter 5, Paul begins to really distinguish the Book of Romans from that of Galatians. He begins a fresh take on the Christian narrative.
Verses 3-5 stand out to me the most. There, he says that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope. Hope does not disappoint because God has poured out love into the human hearts.
On one hand, it sounds like the Christian walk is a refinement. One can expect suffering - bad things will happen. But these will refine us. Likewise, they ultimately do not bring sorrow, but Paul links this with joy and the love of the Holy Spirit.
It seems like a contradiction, that suffering is associated with hope, love, and joy. But I think this ties back to the beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount - " blessed are those who are poor in spirit". Suffering tears at our spirits, but is God that lifts us at.
Another thing in Romans 5 that stood out to me is verse 20 - the law was added so that trespass might increase. This seems like an odd stance on the Mosaic Law. It was given to the Israelites to make them sin more? That said, it also provided a way for them to be reconciled with God.
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