Romans 5:12-14, 20
12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned— 13 for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come.
20 The law was added so that the trespass might increase.
Hmm.
This is a section from a lengthy argument that Paul is making. I excerpt only a small portion.
1. Before the law was given, sin was in the world.
2. Sin is not taken into account when there is no law.
3. The law was added so that the trespass (sin) might increase.
I understand how 3 follows 1 and 2, but I don’t understand why 3 follows 1 and 2. Or at least not for the reason given. The law was added so that there would be more sin? More identified sin, perhaps… but still, why?