Verse 23 is one most Christians know - "for the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." We often use the verse in sharing the gospel. Although it is a great verse to use for that purpose, that is not really the original context for the verse.

The verse ends the section from v.15-23 that encourages believers to make a choice as to Whom they will serve. If we serve sin, we end up with shame and separation from God. if we serve God, holiness and eternal life are the result. I don't know about you; but I am opting for door number 2!