In today’s liturgy, the destiny of the human race is told as the tale of two “types” of men: the first man, Adam, and the new Adam, Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 15:21–22; 45–59).
Paul’s argument in the Epistle is built on a series of contrasts between “one” or “one person” and “the many” or “all.” By one person’s disobedience, sin and condemnation entered the world, and death came to reign over all. By the obedience of another one, grace abounded, all were justified, and life came to reign for all.
This is the drama that unfolds in today’s First Reading and Gospel.