Bible Commentaries
Romans 7

Introduction

Romans 7:0

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

READING CYCLE THREE

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary ,which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS ON VERSES Romans 7:1-6

A. Romans 7:0 must be interpreted

1. in light of Romans 6:0, especially Romans 7:12-14 (also Romans 3:20, Romans 3:21-31; Romans 4:13-16; Romans 5:20)

2. it must also be related to the tension in the church of Rome between believing Gentiles and believing Jews, which is seen in Romans 9-11

The exact nature of the problem is uncertain; it may have been

a. legalism based on The Mosaic Law,

b. Judaizers' emphasis on Moses first, then Christ,

c. misunderstanding of how the gospel applies to Jews,

d. misunderstanding of the relationship between the Old and New Covenants.

e. jealousy of believing Jewish leadership in the church having been replaced by believing Gentile leadership during the emperor's edict, which stopped all Jewish rituals in Rome. Many believing Jews may have left also

B. Romans 7:1-6 continues the figurative language of Romans 6:0 about the Christian's relationship to his old life. The metaphors used are

1. death and release from slavery to another master (Romans 6:0)

2. death and release from marriage obligations (Romans 7:0)

C. Romans 6:0 and 7 are in literary parallel; Romans 6:0 deals with the believer's relationship to "sin" and Romans 7:0 with the believer's relationship to "law." The analogy of death freeing a slave (Romans 6:12-23) is paralleled by death freeing the marriage bond (Romans 7:1-6).

(chart taken from Anders Nygren's Commentary on Romans, translated by Carl C. Rassmussen, p. 268)

D. The Law with its decrees was a death sentence. All humans stand condemned under the Law (cf. Romans 6:14; Romans 7:4; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14). The Mosaic Law became a curse!

E. There have been four major theories about how to interpret Romans 7:0

1. Paul is speaking of himself (autobiographical)

2. Paul is speaking as a representative of all mankind (representative, Chysostom)

3. Paul is speaking of Adam's experience (Theodore of Mopsuetia)

4. Paul is speaking of Israel's experience

F. In many ways Romans 7:0 functions like Genesis 3:0. It shows the downward pull of rebellion even to those who are acquainted with God. Knowledge cannot free fallen humanity; only God's grace, only a new heart, a new mind, and a new spirit can do that (the New Covenant, cf. Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:26-27). And even then, there is an ongoing struggle (cf. Romans 6:12, Romans 6:19; 1 Corinthians 6:10-19; Ephesians 6:10-18)!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.

1. How is Romans 6:0 related to Romans 7:0?

2. What is the relationship of the Old Testament law to New Testament believers? (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:1-11; Hebrews 8:7, Hebrews 8:13)

3. What two illustrations does Paul use in Romans 6:0 and 7 to describe our relationship to our old life?

4. How is the Christian related to the Mosaic Law?

5. Explain in your own words the difference between the autobiographical and representative theories of interpretingRomans 7:7-25; Romans 7:7-25.

6. Is Romans 7 a description of a lost person, an immature believer or all believers?

Verses 1-3

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Romans 7:1-3 1Or do you not know, brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? 2For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. 3So then, if while her husband is living she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress though she is joined to another man.

Romans 7:1 "(for I am speaking to those who know the law)" This could refer to

1. believing Jews only

2. the conflict between believing Jews and Gentiles in the Roman church

3. law in a general sense as relative to all mankind (cf. Romans 2:14-15)

4. to new Gentile believers involved in learning about their new faith (catechism, Romans 6:17) from the OT Scriptures

▣ "the law" This is the main thrust of the chapter (cf. Romans 7:1, Romans 7:2, Romans 7:4, Romans 7:5, Romans 7:6, etc). However, Paul used the term in several different senses (natural law; Mosaic Law; societal norms). It seems that Paul's discussion was triggered by Romans 6:14. His presentation is parallel to the structure of Romans 6:0. See Contextual Insights, C. The Mosaic Law and its relationship to the New Covenant in Christ is also discussed in Romans 7:1 and 4:13-16.

NASB"that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives" NKJV"that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives" NRSV"that the law is binding on a person only during that person's lifetime" TEV"The law rules over a man only as long as he lives" NJB"that laws affect a person only during his lifetime"

This is literally "lord it over" (kurieuô, cf. Romans 6:9, Romans 6:14). The Mosaic Law was both a great blessing (cf. Psalms 19:0; Psalms 119:0), and a horrible curse (cf. Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14). With physical death, obligations to the Law cease. This is the same metaphor used in Romans 6:0 concerning the believer's death to sin.

Romans 7:2 "for the married woman" This is Paul's major illustration in Romans 7:1-6. In Romans 6:0 he picked up on death ending a person's obligation as a slave. Here, marriage and its obligations is the focus. The illustration is inverted because it is the husband who died so that the widow could remarry, whereas in Paul's analogy, it is the believer who died and, therefore, is alive to God.

▣ "she is released" This is the same verb as in Romans 6:6; it means "made inoperative," "to render useless," or "to be done away with." In Romans 6:6, it was in the aorist passive, here it is perfect passive, meaning "has been and continues to be released." See Special Topic at Romans 3:3.

Romans 7:3 "she shall be called an adulteress" This comment is related to the Jewish argument between the rabbinical schools of Shammai and Hillel over Deuteronomy 24:1-4; particularly "some indecency." The Hillel school was the liberal group that would allow divorce for any reason. The Shammai school was the conservative group that would allow divorce only for adultery or some other sexual impropriety (cf. Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9).

Verses 4-6

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Romans 7:4-6 4Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. 6But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.

Romans 7:4 "you also were made to die" This is the main thrust of this paragraph (and Romans 6:0). It related to the analogy in Romans 6:0 of Christians dying to sin because they are "co-buried" (Romans 6:4) and "co-crucified" (Romans 6:6) with Christ (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Galatians 2:20). Believers are new creatures in Christ (see full note at Romans 6:4), in this new age of the Spirit (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17). Baptism marked the boundary between the old age, old man, and the new age, new man.

▣ "through the body of Christ" This is not referring to the theological concept of the church as the body of Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:12, 1 Corinthians 12:27), but to Christ's physical body as in Romans 6:3-11 where, when Christ died, believers, by way of identification through baptism, died with Him. His death was their death (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Galatians 2:20). His resurrected life freed them to serve God and others.

▣ "that we might bear fruit for God" This was also parallel to Romans 6:0, especially Romans 6:22. Believers are now free through Christ to bind themselves to Christ. This is the continuing marriage analogy. As Christ died for believers, they now must die to sin (2 Corinthians 5:13-14; Galatians 2:20). As Christ was raised, they, too, are raised to new spiritual life of service to God (cf. Romans 6:22; Ephesians 2:5-6) and each other (cf. 1 John 3:16).

Romans 7:5

NASB"For while we were in the flesh" NKJV"For when we were in the flesh" NRSV"While we were living in the flesh" TEV"For when we lived according to our human nature" NJB "Before our conversion"

This verse is a contrast to Romans 7:4. Verse 4 relates to the experience of a believer, as does Romans 7:6. Verse Romans 7:5 described the "fruit" of the life without God's power (Galatians 5:18-24.) The Law shows believers their sin (Romans 7:7-9; Galatians 3:23-25), but cannot give them the power to overcome it.

In context this phrase is referring to believers' fallen, sinful nature inherited from Adam (cf. Romans 6:19). Paul uses this term sarx in two different ways (1) sin nature (the old man) and (2) physical body (cf. Romans 1:3; Romans 4:1; Romans 9:3, Romans 9:5). Here it is negative, but notice Romans 1:3; Romans 4:1; Romans 9:3, Romans 9:5; Galatians 2:20. The flesh/body (sarx/soma) is not evil in and of itself, but it, like the mind (nous), is the battleground, the place of confrontation between evil forces of this age and the Holy Spirit. Paul uses this term in a way consistent with the Septuagint, not Greek literature. See Special Topic: Flesh (sarx) at Romans 1:3.

▣ "which were aroused by the Law" This aspect of rebellious human nature, which reacts aggressively to any restrictions, is clearly seen in Genesis 3:0 and in all humans. The Law set boundaries (cf. Romans 7:7-8). These boundaries were for mankind's protection, but humans viewed them as chains and limits. The sinful, independent spirit was stimulated by God's Law. The problem was not the limits (law, cf. Romans 7:12-13), but human autonomy and self will.

▣ "to bear fruit for death" What a stark contrast between

Romans 7:1. Romans 7:5 - bear fruit for God

Romans 7:2. Romans 7:6 - bear fruit for death

Believers have died to death, sin, and the Law and now they live to bear fruit for the Kingdom! Paul paints in black and white (or better paradoxical categories, see note at Romans 8:2). A person is one of two groups-Adam or Jesus (cf. Romans 5:12-21). Those in Jesus are free, unbound, and new (cf. Galatians 2:19-20)! Walk in it! Revel in it!

Romans 7:6 "But now" Newman and Nida, A Translator's Handbook on Paul's Letter to the Romans, has an interesting comment.

"It is important to notice the parallels between verses Romans 7:5 and 6, and at the same time their relation to what follows. Verse Romans 7:5 describes the pre-Christian experience, and has its parallel in 7.7-25; verse Romans 7:6 describes the present life of faith under the leadership of God's Spirit, and has its parallel in 8.1-11" (p. 130).

▣ "we have been released" This is an aorist passive indicative. This is a contrast with the imperfect middle indicative of Romans 7:5. Believers had been continually held by sin as revealed in the Law, but now they have been freed by the Spirit through the good news of the gospel. This same word is used of the woman whose husband dies in Romans 7:2.

▣ "having died to that by which we were bound" This is an aorist active participle followed by an imperfect passive indicative. God set believers free through Christ's death from

1. the curse of the OT

2. their inner sinful selves

They had been continually bound by their rebellion against God's revealed will, fallen nature, personal sin, and supernatural temptation (cf. Ephesians 2:2-3)!

▣ "newness. . .oldness" This new spiritual way seems to refer to the New Covenant (cf. Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:22-32). The Greek term "new" (kainos - kainotçs) is used by Paul of

1. the newness of life, Romans 6:4 (see full note at Romans 6:4)

2. the newness of the Spirit, Romans 7:6

3. the new covenant, 1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Corinthians 3:6

4. the new creation, 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15

5. the new man, Ephesians 2:15; Ephesians 4:24

The term "old" applies to the Mosaic Law and meant "totally worn out." Paul is contrasting the Old covenant and the New covenant, as does the author of Hebrews (cf. Romans 8:7 and 13).

NASB, NKJV "so that we serve in newness of the Spirit" NRSV "so that we are slaves not under the old written code but in the new life of the Spirit" TEV "but in the new way of the Spirit" NJB "free to serve in the new spiritual way"

This is literally "in newness of spirit." It is uncertain whether this referred to the regenerated human spirit or the Holy Spirit. Most English translations capitalize it, which implies the Holy Spirit, who is ambiguously mentioned for the first time in Romans 8:0 (15 times). The term "spirit" could refer to the human spirit regenerated and energized by the gospel and the Spirit in Romans 1:4, Romans 1:9; Romans 2:29; Romans 7:6; Romans 8:15; Romans 11:8; Romans 12:11; 1 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Corinthians 4:21; 1 Corinthians 5:3, 1 Corinthians 5:4, 1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Corinthians 7:34; 1 Corinthians 14:15, 1 Corinthians 14:16, 1 Corinthians 14:32; 1 Corinthians 16:18.

In Paul's writings "flesh" and "spirit" are often contrasted as two distinct ways of thinking and living (cf. Romans 7:14; Romans 8:4; Galatians 3:3; Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:17, Galatians 5:25; Galatians 6:8). Physical life without God is "flesh" (see Special Topic at Romans 1:3), but life with God is "spirit" or "Spirit." The indwelling Holy Spirit (cf. Romans 8:9, Romans 8:11) transforms the believer into a new creature in Christ (positionally and experientially).

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS ON Romans 7:7-25

A. Romans 7:7-25 expresses a human reality. All human beings, both saved and lost, have experienced the tension of good and evil in their world and in their own hearts and minds. The hermeneutical question is, "How did Paul mean this passage to be understood?" It must be related contextually to Romans 7:3 and 8:1-39. Some see it as focusing on all human beings and, therefore, see Paul's personal experience as a paradigm. This interpretation is called "the autobiographical theory."

Paul used "I" in a non-personal sense in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. This use of a non-personal "I" can also be documented from the Jewish rabbis. If this is true here, this passage would refer to mankind's transition from innocence through conviction to salvation (Romans 8:0) "the representative theory" (i.e., Jerome Biblical Commentary, p. 312).

However, others have seen these verses as relating to the terrible continuing struggle of a believer with the fallen human nature (i.e., Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Karl Barth). The heart-rending cry of Romans 7:24 expresses this inner tension. The aorist and imperfect verb tenses dominate Romans 7:7-13, while the present and perfect verb tenses dominate Romans 7:14-25. This seems to lend credence to "the autobiographical theory" that Paul is describing his own experience from innocence, to conviction, to justification and the tension-filled road of progressive sanctification (cf. autos egô, "I myself," cf. Romans 7:25).

It is just possible that both views are true. In Romans 7:7-13 and 25b Paul is speaking autobiographically, while in Romans 7:14-25a, he is speaking of his experience of inner struggle with sin, as representative of all redeemed humanity. However, it must be remembered that this entire passage also must be seen against the backdrop of Paul as a committed Jewish religionist before regeneration. Paul's experience was uniquely his.

B. The Law is good. It is from God. It served, and continues to serve, a divine purpose (cf. Romans 7:7, Romans 7:12, Romans 7:14, Romans 7:22, Romans 7:25; Matthew 5:17-19). It cannot bring peace or salvation (cf. Galatians 3:0). James Stewart in his book A Man in Christ, shows Paul's paradoxical thinking and writing:

"You would naturally expect a man who was setting himself to construct a system of thought and doctrine to fix as rigidly as possible the meanings of the terms he employed. You would expect him to aim at precision in the phraseology of his leading ideas. You would demand that a word, once used by your writer in a particular sense should bear that sense throughout. But to look for this from Paul is to be disappointed. Much of his phraseology is fluid, not rigid. . .'The law is holy,' he writes, 'I delight in the law of God after the inward man' (cf. Romans 7:12-13) but it is clearly another aspect of nomos that makes him say elsewhere, 'Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law (cf. Galatians 3:13)'" (p. 26).

C. The textual evidence dealing with the question, "Is Paul referring to a saved or unsaved person in Romans 7:14-25?" is as follows

1. Unsaved person

a. This was the interpretation of the early Greek speaking church Fathers

b. The following phrases support this view

(1) "I am of flesh," Romans 7:14

(2) "sold into bondage to sin," Romans 7:14

(3)"nothing good dwells in me," Romans 7:18

(4) "making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members," Romans 7:23

(5) "wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?" Romans 7:24

c. The immediate context of Romans 6:0 is that we are free from the mastery of sin. The context of chap. 8 starts with "so then."

d. The absence of any reference to the Spirit or Christ until the close of this context (Romans 7:25).

2. Saved person

a. This was the interpretation of Augustine, Calvin, and the Reformed tradition

b. The following phrases support this view

(1) "we know that the Law is spiritual," Romans 7:14

(2) "I agree with the Law, confessing that it is good," Romans 7:16

(3) "the good that I wish, I do not do...," Romans 7:19

(4) "I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man," Romans 7:22

c. The larger context of Romans places Romans 7:0 in the section dealing with sanctification.

d. The obvious change of verb tenses from imperfect and aorists in Romans 7:7-13 to the consistent use of the present tense in Romans 7:14-24 imply a different and new section of Paul's life (i.e., conversion).

D. The more a believer strives toward Christlikeness, the more he experiences his/her own sinfulness. This paradox fits well this context and the personality of Paul (and, for that matter, most believers; for an opposite view see Gordon Fee, Paul, The Spirit, and the People of God).

A line from a Lutheran hymn by Henry Twells:

"And none, O Lord, has perfect rest,

For none is wholly free from sin;

And they who faint would serve Thee best

Are conscious most of wrong within."

I think Paul was struggling with his Pharisaic past which gave a structure to his presentation of "Law" and "sin/death." However, I am also impacted by my own struggle with temptation and sin after salvation. It has surely colored my interpretation. I think Gordon Fee, Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God, represents another valid Christian's experience and perspective. One thing I know, the tension or conflict between

1. old age - new age

2. old man - new man

3. law - spirit

has been dealt with in Christ! Victory is ours. Never focus on Romans 7:0 without noting Romans 6:0 and 8. Victory is ours in Him!

E. Sun (preposition in Romans 8:32) compounds in Romans 8:0

v. Romans 7:16 - sun + witness/testify

v. Romans 7:17 - sun + heir

v. Romans 7:17 - sun + suffer

v. Romans 7:17 - sun + glorify

v. Romans 7:22 - sun + groan

v. Romans 7:22 - sun + birth pains

v. 26 - sun + take hold of

v. 28 - sun + work with/cooperate

v. 29 - sun +conformed

These compounds denote "joint participation with" or "cooperation with."

Verses 7-12

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Romans 7:7-12 7What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, "You shall not covet." 8But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. 9I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died; 10and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; 11for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

Romans 7:7 "What shall we say then" Paul is returning to his use of diatribe (cf. Romans 6:1, Romans 6:15; Romans 7:1, Romans 7:13).

▣ "Is the Law sin" One of the paradoxes of revelation is that God used the holiness and goodness of the Law as a mirror to reveal sin, so as to bring fallen mankind to the place of repentance and faith (cf. Romans 7:12-13; Galatians 3:0). Also surprisingly the Law continues to function in sanctification but not in justification (see Special Topic: Paul's Views of Mosaic Law at Romans 13:9.

▣ "May it never be" Paul's characteristic rejection of a false assertion (cf. Romans 7:13; Romans 3:4, Romans 3:6, Romans 3:31; Romans 6:2, Romans 6:15; Romans 9:14; Romans 11:1, Romans 11:11; Galatians 2:17; Galatians 3:21).

▣ "on the contrary" Paul's literary style in Romans uses strong contrasts to make his points (cf. Romans 3:4, Romans 3:6, Romans 3:31; Romans 6:2, Romans 6:15; Romans 7:13; Romans 9:14; Romans 11:1, Romans 11:11).

▣ "I" Mark in your Bible the number of times the personal pronouns "I," "my," or "me" appear in the context of Romans 7:7-25. It will amaze you. It is something over forty times.

▣ "I would not have come to know sin except through the Law" This is one of the key passages which reveal the concept of the Mosaic Law functioning as a mirror to reveal personal sin (cf. Romans 3:20; 4:65; Romans 5:20; Galatians 3:14-29, especially Romans 7:24). To break the Law one time was to break the Covenant and, thereby, to bear its consequences (cf. Romans 7:10 and James 2:10)!

▣ "except through the Law" This is a second class conditional sentence which is called "contrary to fact." Paul was convicted of sin. This is the only example of this grammatical feature in Romans. Paul does use it in Galatians 1:10; Galatians 3:21, as well as 1 Corinthians 2:8; 1 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 11:31; and 2 Corinthians 12:11.

▣ "You shall not covet" This is a quote of the last command of the Ten Commandments (cf. Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21). This last commandment focuses on proper attitude, which is really the essence of them all (cf. Matthew 5-7). The Law is often referred to as "the commandment" (cf. Romans 7:8, Romans 7:9, Romans 7:11, Romans 7:12, Romans 7:13).

The term "covet" meant "to set one's heart on" or "to desire strongly." God has given humans (lost and saved) many good things through creation, but humans tend to take God's gifts beyond the God-given bounds. "More-and-more for me at any cost" becomes their motto! Self is a terrible tyrant! See Special Topic: Notes on Exodus 20:17 at Romans 13:8-9.

Romans 7:8

NASB, NKJV"taking opportunity" NRSV"seizing an opportunity" TEV"found its chance" NJB"took advantage of"

This was a military term that was used of a beach-head or base of operations (cf. Romans 7:8 and 11). It is personalized in this context (cf. Romans 7:9, Romans 7:11). Sin was characterized as a military operation (cf. v. Romans 7:11) led by a military leader (cf. Romans 7:1 and 17; 6:12, 14, 16).

▣ "for apart from the Law sin is dead" Sin is rebellion against God's will (cf. Romans 4:15; Romans 5:13; 1 Corinthians 15:56). There is no verb in this phrase; one must be supplied. If one supplies a present tense, it implies that this is a universal principle. If one supplies an aorist tense, it referred to Paul's life specifically.

Romans 7:9 "I was once alive" This could refer to Paul as (1) a child during the age of innocence (i.e., before Bar Mitzvah) or (2) as a committed Pharisee before the truth of the gospel broke into his heart (cf. Acts 23:1; Philippians 3:6; 2 Timothy 1:3). The first represents "the autobiographical theory" of interpretation of Romans 7:0 and the second "the representative theory" of interpretation of Romans 7:0.

▣ "when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died" Mankind's rebellious spirit is energized by prohibitions. The "do not" of God's Law triggers the self-directing pride of fallen humanity (cf. Genesis 2:16-17; Genesis 3:1-6). Notice how sin continues to be personified, as in Romans 7:1 and 7:8,11,17,20.

Romans 7:10 "the commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me" This is probably a reference to the promise of Leviticus 18:5; Deuteronomy 4:1; or possibly Romans 2:13. The Law promised what it could not fulfill, not because it was sinful, but because humanity is weak and rebellious. The Law became a death sentence (cf. Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14).

Romans 7:11 "deceived me and through it killed me" These are both aorist active indicative verbs. This term, "deceived," is used of the serpent deceiving Eve in the Septuagint (LXX) of Genesis 3:13. Paul uses this verb several times (cf. Romans 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Timothy 2:14). Adam and Eve's problem was also coveting (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:14). Adam and Eve died spiritually by disobeying God's command (now revealed in the Law, cf. 1 Corinthians 15:56), and so did Paul and so do all humans (Romans 1:18-20).

Romans 7:12 This is Paul's affirmation of the goodness of the Law. It is not the problem. However Paul's parallel structure, using "sin" in Romans 6:0 and "law" in Romans 7:0, must have upset the legalistic Jewish believers (the weak of Romans 14:1-13) in the Roman church.

Verse 13

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Romans 7:13 13Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful.

Romans 7:13

NASB"sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin. . .sin might become utterly sinful" NKJV"sin, that it might appear sin. . .might become exceedingly sinful" NRSV"that sin might be shown to be sin. . .sinful beyond measure" TEV"in order that its true nature as sin might be revealed" NJB"sin, to show itself in its true colors. . .was able to exercise all its sinful power"

Sin's evil nature is clearly seen in the fact that it took something as good, wholesome, and godly as the Mosaic Law (cf. Ps. 19, 119) and twisted it into an instrument of condemnation and death (cf. Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14). Fallen mankind has taken every good gift God has given beyond its God-given bounds!

Notice the two hina (purpose) clauses translated "in order that" and "so that." Prepositions clarify the author's purpose!

▣ "utterly sinful" See Special Topic: Paul's Use of Huper Compounds at Romans 1:30. Sin is personified to show the personal nature of evil. See Special Topic: Personal Evil at Romans 16:20.

Verses 14-20

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Romans 7:14-20 14For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. 15For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. 16But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. 17So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 18For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.

Romans 7:14 "the Law is spiritual" God's Law is good. It is not the problem (cf. Romans 7:12 & 16b).

▣ "I am of flesh" This term is used by Paul in (1) a neutral sense meaning physical body (cf. Romans 1:3; Romans 2:28; Romans 4:1; Romans 9:3, Romans 9:5); and (2) a negative sense meaning mankind's fallen nature in Adam (cf. Romans 7:5). It is uncertain which is being referred to here.

▣ "sold into bondage to sin" This is a perfect passive participle meaning "I have been and continue to be sold into bondage to sin." Sin is again personified, here as a slave owner. The agent of the passive voice is uncertain. It could refer to Satan, sin, Paul, or God.

In the OT the major term for God drawing mankind back to Himself was "ransom" or "redeem" (and their synonyms). It originally meant "to buy back" (and its synonyms. See Special Topic at Romans 3:24). The opposite concept is the phrase used here, "sold into the hands of. . ." (cf. Judges 4:2; Judges 10:7; 1 Samuel 12:9).

Romans 7:15-24 The child of God has "the divine nature" (cf. 2 Peter 1:4), but also the fallen nature (cf. Galatians 5:17). Potentially, sin is made inoperative (cf. Romans 6:6), but human experience follows Romans 7:0. The Jews say that in every man's heart is a black and a white dog. The one he feeds the most is the one that becomes biggest.

As I read this passage I experientially feel the pain of Paul as he describes the daily conflict of our two natures. Believers have been freed from their fallen nature, but, God help us, we continue to yield to its lure. It is often surprisingly true that the intense spiritual warfare begins after salvation. Maturity is a tension-filled daily fellowship with the Triune God and a daily conflict with evil (cf. Romans 8:12-25, Romans 8:26; Galatians 5:16-18; Ephesians 6:10-18; Colossians 3:5-10; see J. D. G. Dunn, Jesus and the Spirit).

Romans 7:16, Romans 7:20 "if" These are both first class conditional sentences, which are viewed as true from the author's perspective or for his literary purposes.

Romans 7:18 "I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh" Paul is not asserting that the physical body is evil, but that it was the battle ground between the fallen nature and God's Spirit. The Greeks held that the body, along with all matter, was evil. This developed into the dualistic heresy of Gnosticism (cf. Ephesians, Colossians and 1 John). The Greeks tended to blame "the physical" for spiritual problems. Paul does not view the spiritual conflict in these terms. He personified sin and used mankind's rebellion against God's Law as the opportunity for evil's invasion of human nature. The term "flesh" in Paul's writings can mean (1) the physical body which is morally neutral (cf. Romans 1:3; Romans 2:28; Romans 4:1; Romans 9:3, Romans 9:5) and (2) the fallen sin nature inherited from Adam (cf. Romans 7:5). See Special Topic: Flesh (sarx) at Romans 1:3.

Romans 7:20 "sin which dwells in me" It is interesting that the book of Romans so clearly shows humanity's sin, but there is no mention of Satan until Romans 16:20. Humans cannot blame Satan for their sin problem. We have a choice. Sin is personified as a king, tyrant, slave owner. It tempts and lures us to independence from God, to self assertion at any cost. Paul's personification of sin linked to human choice reflects Genesis 4:7.

Paul uses the term "dwells" several times in this chapter (cf. Romans 7:17, Romans 7:18, Romans 7:20). The sin nature is not destroyed or removed at salvation, but made potentially inoperative. Its continuing powerlessness depends on our cooperation with the indwelling Spirit (cf. Romans 8:9, Romans 8:11). God has provided for believers all that is necessary to combat personified (literary) and personal (Satan and the demonic) evil. It is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. As we accept God's free gift of salvation, so too, we must accept God's gift of the effective deterrent of the Holy Spirit. Salvation and the Christian life are a daily process that begins and ends with believers' daily decisions. God has provided all that we need: the Spirit (Romans 8:0), spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:11), revelation (Ephesians 6:17), and prayer (Ephesians 6:18).

The battle is fierce (Romans 7:0), but the battle is won (Romans 8:0).

Verses 21-25

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Romans 7:21-25 21I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. 22For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. 24Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.

Romans 7:22 "the law of God" For the Jews this referred to the Law of Moses. For the non-Jew this referred to

1. the witness of nature (cf. Romans 1:19-20; Psalms 19:1-6)

2. the inner-moral conscience (cf. Romans 2:14-15)

3. societal norms or mores

NASB"in the inner man" NKJV"according to the inward man" NRSV, NJB"in my inmost self" TEV"my inner being"

Paul contrasts the outer man (physical) with the inner man (spiritual) in 2 Corinthians 4:16. In this context the phrase refers to that part of Paul or saved humanity that affirms God's will and law.

1. "the Law is spiritual," Romans 7:14

2. "what I would like to do," Romans 7:15

3. "I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good," Romans 7:16

4. "the wishing is present in me," Romans 7:18

5. "the good that I want," Romans 7:19

6. "I produce the very evil that I do not want," Romans 7:19

7. "I am doing the very thing I do not want," Romans 7:20

8. "the one who wants to do good," Romans 7:21

9. "I joyfully concur with the Law of God," Romans 7:22

10. "the law of my mind," Romans 7:23

11. "I myself with my mind am serving the law of God," Romans 7:25

Romans 7:0 shows that knowledge of God and His word is not enough. Believers need the Spirit (Romans 8:0)!

Romans 7:23 There is a real contrast between Romans 6:2; Romans 7:2 and 7:23. This verse clearly shows Paul's use of law (nomos) to refer to (1) the law of sin (cf. Romans 7:21, Romans 7:25) and (2) the law of God (cf. Romans 7:22, Romans 7:25). Earlier in Romans 7:4, Romans 7:5, Romans 7:6, Romans 7:7, Romans 7:9 and 12 Paul used the term for the OT. Paul was not a systematic theologian. He struggled with the concept of "law." In one sense it was God's revelation, a wonderful gift to mankind, yet in another it was that which defined sin and clearly set boundaries that fallen mankind was unable to keep. These boundaries were not only OT revelation (cf. Psalms 19:7-14; Psalms 119:0, but all moral guidelines: natural revelation (cf. Psalms 19:1-6; Romans 1:18-31) or social mores and norms. Humans are rebels who want to be in complete control of their own lives!

Romans 7:24 Can this be a statement from a saved person? Some say no and, therefore, this chapter refers to moral, religious but unredeemed persons. Others say yes, that it refers to the tension of the gospel, "the already and the not yet" in the lives of believers. The eschatological fulfillment has not yet been manifested. The mature believer senses this gap most acutely.

NASB"the body of this death" NKJV, NRSV"this body of death" TEV"this body that is taking me to death" NJB"this body doomed to die"

The physical body and mind are not evil in and of themselves. They were created by God for life on this planet and fellowship with Him. They were created "very good" (cf. Genesis 1:31). But, Genesis 3:0 changed mankind and the planet. This is not the world God intended it to be and we are not the people God intended us to be. Sin has radically affected creation. Sin has taken what was good and twisted it into self-centered evil. The body and mind have become the battle ground of temptation and sin. Paul feels the battle acutely! He longs for the new age, the new body, fellowship with God (cf. Romans 8:23).

Romans 7:25 This is a summary and a transition to the higher ground of Romans 8:0. However, even in Romans 8:0 this same tension is seen in Romans 7:5-11.

The question for interpreters revolves around of whom is Paul speaking?

1. himself and his experiences within Judaism

2. all Christians

3. Adam as an example of human beings

4. Israel and her knowledge of the Law, but failure to obey it

Personally, I combine #1 (Romans 7:7-13, Romans 7:25b) and #2 (Romans 7:14-25a). See Contextual Insights to Romans 7:7-25.

The pain and agony of Romans 7:0 is matched and surpassed by the majesty of Romans 8:0!

▣ "Thanks be to God" See Special Topic following.

SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL'S PRAYER, PRAISE, AND THANKSGIVING