Romans 7

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 7 StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size -9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 =Tabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 21 0 8 0 0 CHAPTER 7) Outline (continued)) Justification by Faith) 3a. It produces the fruit of liberty: freedom from the law.) We have been released from the law. ) 7:1 6 ) 3b. The sinner s relation to God s Law, in the light of Paul s own experience and that of others like him.) In the absence of law sin is dead. Once I was alive apart from law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. ) 7:7 13 ) 3c. Paul s own experience and that of others like him) (continued):) The wretched man s struggle and victory.) Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?

Thanks be to God though Jesus Christ our Lord. ) 7:14 25 ) ) 3a. It produces the fruit of liberty: freedom from the law.) We have been released from the law ) 7:1 6) 7 1 Or do you not know, brothers for I am speaking to those who know law that the law has authority over a person (only) as long as he lives? 2 For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law in so far as it binds her to her husband. 3 So then, if, while her husband is still alive, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress it she marries another man.) 4 So, my brothers, you too were made dead to the law through the body of Christ, so that you might belong to another, even to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions stimulated by the law were active in our members, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, having died to that by which we were held fast, we have been released from the law, so that we serve in newness of (the) Spirit, not in oldness of (the) letter.) ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.21|AUTODETECT|” It is clear that Paul continues his discussion of the fruits of justification. Among them he had already considered peace (chapter 5) and holiness (chapter 6). This time he adds freedom, namely, from bondage to law, the glorious liberty enjoyed by the children of God. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.21|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.17|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 3:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 3 0 8 0 0 Previously in this same epistle Paul had mentioned freedom from sin. He had linked it to freedom from law. He had written, For sin shall no longer be lord over you, because you are not under law but under grace (6:14). Then, without first explaining what he meant, he had asked and answered the question, Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? (6:15). As has been pointed out, there was a very practical reason why the answer to that question was urgent, and could not be postponed. Therefore the entire sixth chapter was devoted to it.

Note its climax, For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is life everlasting in Christ Jesus our Lord. The glorious doctrine of justification by faith must not be used as an excuse for the practice of sin!) This shows why the apostle had not yet been able to answer such questions as, In what sense is it true and how did it come about that we are not under law but under grace? For what purpose were we released from bondage to law? It is to these questions that he now gives an answer.) 1. Or do you not know, brothers for I am speaking to those who know law that the law has authority over a person (only) as long as he lives?) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.119.0|AUTODETECT|” Surely a believer is not free from the law in every conceivable sense! He loves God s law. Did not the author of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.119.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 119) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 to mention only that one psalm grow ecstatic when he reflected on the wonders of God s law? Among his many enthusiastic statements are the following:) 1 4 0 8 0 0 Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law (verse 18).) O how I love thy law. It is my meditation all the day (verse 97).) Rivers of water run down my eyes because they do not observe thy law (verse 136).) Great peace have they who love thy law (verse 165).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.119.0|AUTODETECT|” However, a distinction must be made. The author of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.119.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 119) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.116.12|AUTODETECT|” regards God s law as the expression of his wise, good, and merciful will. As such, for the believer the law is a rule of gratitude, answering the question of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.116.12|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 116:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.6|AUTODETECT|” But the term law can also be used as indicating a code that must be adhered to in order to obtain salvation, a statute wielding authority and demanding absolute obedience. It is in that sense that the apostle obviously here uses the term. Add to this the fact that the Jewish religious leaders had buried the original law of God under a load of oral traditions: minute, hair-splitting regulations touching just about every human activity and sphere of life. This was the law about which Jesus had said, You have made the word of God null and void for the sake of your tradition 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 15:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.10|AUTODETECT|” ). Since, according to the teaching of the rabbis, these oral traditions, as to their basic contents, had by God been given to Moses and handed down from generation to generation, it is understandable that ever so many people, in learning about them, had become filled with fear. The law had become an unbearable yoke 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.10|AUTODETECT|” Acts 15:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 0 Accordingly, what the apostle is now telling the membership of the Roman church is that from this yoke in fact, even from Sinai s unadulterated written law regarded as a means whereby, through obedience, one can earn salvation they have been released.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.2|AUTODETECT|” Note the tactful manner in which Paul conveys this cheering news. He asks, Do you not know & ? In other words, You should know, should you not? Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.2|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.3|AUTODETECT|” . See also on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.3|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 6:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 195.) 1 5 0 8 0 0 The next word brothers should not be passed by unnoticed. As here used, it is an affectionate term of address. Previously Paul has used it only in 1:13. Careful examination of all the instances of its occurrence in this epistle shows that whenever the apostle employs this term in addressing his readers, he is deeply moved. He is writing about a subject which emotionally affects him. He, as it were, embraces those whom he addresses with his arms of love.

In this light examine also the use of this same word in 1:13; 8:12; 10:1; 11:25; 12:1; 15:30; 16:17. In each case the subject discussed is one filled with emotion. So also here, in connection with 1:1, 4, we can probably assume that Paul had heard that some of the members of the Roman church entertained doubts about the doctrine of salvation by grace alone. Therefore, by means of this term of endearment, he is, as it were, wooing them back, tenderly pleading with them to put aside their doubts.) When he adds, I am speaking to those who know law, the word law can perhaps be given its broadest meaning; for according to any law, whether Hebrew, Greek, Roman, etc., death ends obligations and attachments, dissolves ties, releases bonds. But if Paul was actually thinking of any specific law system, it must have been the Mosaic, with which, of course, not only the Jews were well acquainted, but so were also those people who were Gentiles by race; in other words, all the members of the Roman Church. See above, p. 23.

To them all the principle that the law has authority over a person (only) as long as he lives was well known and would win immediate consent.) What Paul is implying, then, is this: when a person is dead in the present case dead to the law he is free from its authority, released from its domination.) To fortify his argument the apostle now uses an illustration:) 2, 3. For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law in so far as it binds her to her husband, So then, if, while her husband is still alive, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies; she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress if she marries another man.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.2.22-1.2.24|AUTODETECT|” Little need be said about the illustration as such. It speaks for itself. According to Scripture marriage is a very solemn bond. It is for life 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.2.22-1.2.24|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 2:22 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.2.13-39.2.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.2.13-39.2.16|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 2:13 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This implies that if, while the husband is still living, the wife rejects him and marries another man, she will be called��184�� an adulteress.��185��) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.33|AUTODETECT|” But although marriage is for life, it does not extend beyond life, the (feigned?) position of the Sadducees notwithstanding. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.33|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.34|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.34|AUTODETECT|” 34) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Therefore after the death of her husband no law would prevent this woman from remarrying.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.4|AUTODETECT|” So far the illustration. Matters become a little more difficult when we inquire into the point it wishes to bring out. For example, if we should say that in this illustration the husband consistently indicates the law, and the married woman consistently the believer, we would soon reach a blind alley. For in that case the law would have to die before the believer could be made free. But nowhere does Paul teach that the law dies or is put to death. Quite the opposite: it is we who are put to death. It is we who therefore die 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.19|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 5 0 8 0 0 Accordingly, in our attempt to interpret these words we should concentrate on just one item, namely, the third of comparison. It is this: as it is a death that dissolves the marriage bond, so it is also a death that dissolves the legal bond; i.e., the bondage to law. The marriage bond is dissolved by the death of one of the marriage partners (in this case the husband); the legal bond is broken by the believers involvement in Christ s death; in other words, by the believers death. Yes, we, the believers, have indeed died with Christ, in the sense which has already been explained in connection with 6:8. See above, p. 199. Once this third of comparison is grasped, there is no further difficulty.

Paul s own clarification, moreover, follows in verse.) 4. So, my brothers, you too were made dead to the law through the body of Christ, so that you might belong to another, even to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.) Several points stand out in this strikingly beautiful passage:) a. We have already commented on my brothers. See above, pp. 214, 215.) b. You too were made dead or were put to death. ��186��) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” It was God who not only planned salvation but also carried out this plan. It was he who so loved the world that he gave his only Son in order that everyone who believes in him should not perish but have life everlasting 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” ); he who did not spare his Son but delivered him up for us all 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.4|AUTODETECT|” ). See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.21|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 5:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . It was through the body of Christ Crucified that our indebtedness to the law was completely paid off, so that, as a result, believers were made dead to the law, the latter s bill having been fully paid.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.3|AUTODETECT|” c. In Paul s illustration it was stated that when the husband died, the wife was released from the marriage bond, and given the right to marry someone else. That part of the figure may also have been in the apostle s mind when he wrote, & that you might belong to another, even to him who was raised from the dead & Since the relation of the Christian to the Christ is very close, release from the law must mean union with Christ, the Risen One. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.3|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 0 d. This union or marriage is not unfruitful. Note: in order that we might bear fruit for God. ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Our Exalted Lord, through the outpouring of his Spirit, enables believers to do this. In the Pauline epistles, and in Scripture as a whole, great emphasis is placed on fruitbearing. The reference is to the fruit of good attitudes, aspirations, words, and works; to all of these directed to the glory of God Triune. Among Pauline passages mentioning or implying fruitbearing see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.21|AUTODETECT|” 6:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.22|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.9|AUTODETECT|” 5:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.8|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Titus 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.1.3|AUTODETECT|” . For the rest of Scripture see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.92.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.92.14|AUTODETECT|” 92:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.11.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.11.30|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 11:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.17.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.17.8|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 17:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.17.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.17.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.17|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.1-43.15.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.1-43.15.8|AUTODETECT|” John 15:1 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.14-45.6.16|AUTODETECT|” e. Note the shift from the second person to the first: so that you might belong to another & in order that we might bear fruit for God. This same peculiarity appears also in such passages, among others, as the following: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.14-45.6.16|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 6:14 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.11-45.8.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.11-45.8.13|AUTODETECT|” 8:11 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.11-45.13.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.11-45.13.14|AUTODETECT|” 13:11 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 0 8 0 0 Explanation: Paul is himself deeply involved in the truths about which he writes. The doctrine of sovereign grace grips him, causes his heart to beat faster, his eyes to fill with tears of gratitude. So again and again he shifts from you to we. Is a sermon really good if it lacks this feature?) 5, 6. For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions stimulated by the law were active in our members, so that we bore fruit for death. But now, having died to that by which we were held fast, we have been released from the law, so that we serve in newness of (the) Spirit, not in oldness of (the) letter.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.11|AUTODETECT|” The expression when we were in the flesh ��187�� means when basically we were governed by our sinful human nature. By the sinful passions 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.19-48.5.21|AUTODETECT|” ) & active in our members, are probably meant such emotions as lust, anger, hatred, ill will, jealousy, envy, unreasonable fear, etc. Although these and similar passions pertain to a person s heart and mind, they express themselves physically: the jealous eye, the clenched fist, the hateful gesture, etc. Cf. 6:12, 13. The unbridled gratification of passions, so that those who nourish them produce the fruit indicated in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.19-48.5.21|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:19 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 results in death. Cf. 6:21. Contrast fruit for God (verse 4) with fruit for death (verse 5).) 1 4 0 8 0 0 For the answer to the question, How is it to be understood that these sinful passions are stimulated by the law? see on verses 7 13.) But now, says Paul, a great change has occurred. By means of our death a death with Christ; hence a death to sin, which held us in its grip we were released or discharged from the law.) What he means is that basically our lives are no longer governed by our sinful nature. And since Christ, by means of his vicarious death, paid the debt we owed to the law, we are now no longer under the law s domination and curse.) This does not remove the fact that sin still exercises considerable influence over us, as 7:14 25 will indicate, but basically there has been a tremendous change.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.3|AUTODETECT|” The result��188�� of all this is that we now serve (God) in newness of the Spirit, no longer in oldness of the letter, that is, the legal code. There used to be a time when we thought that by strict obedience to the external code the Mosaic written law, as interpreted by tradition we could be saved. But now, having been set at liberty, we serve (see 6:15 23) in newness of the Spirit. According to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.3|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.6|AUTODETECT|” 4:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.18|AUTODETECT|” 5:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.17|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 3:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 that Spirit is the Author of our liberty. Paul s thought seems to be that this Spirit guides believers in their effort to live lives of gratitude for salvation received as the product of God s sovereign grace. The Spirit guides and enables them to live such lives.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.31-24.31.34|AUTODETECT|” What the apostle is saying, then, is that the glorious prophecy of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.31-24.31.34|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 31:31 34) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 is being realized in the lives of himself and those addressed.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.17|AUTODETECT|” When Paul closes this section by writing, so that we serve in newness of (the) Spirit, not in oldness of (the) letter, he places the new over against the old 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.17|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 5:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.22-49.4.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.22-49.4.24|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:22 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.9|AUTODETECT|” ; 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.9|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.29|AUTODETECT|” ); and the Spirit over against the letter 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.29|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 2:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.6|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.14-40.9.17|AUTODETECT|” ). Hence, he is contrasting true liberty the blessing bestowed on all those who have become free from the law, in the sense explained with the bondage of those still enslaved by the law. As always, so also at this point, his teaching is in line with that of the Master. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.14-40.9.17|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 9:14 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.18-41.2.22|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.18-41.2.22|AUTODETECT|” Mark 2:18 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.33-42.5.39|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.33-42.5.39|AUTODETECT|” Luke 5:33 39) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.17|AUTODETECT|” ); and compare ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.17|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 3:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.36|AUTODETECT|” with ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.36|AUTODETECT|” John 8:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 16 0 8 0 0 ) 3b. The sinner s relation to God s Law, in the light of Paul s own experience and that of others like him.) In the absence of law sin is dead. Once I was alive apart from law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died ) 7:7 13) 7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Not at all! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin, had it not been through the law.

For I would not have known what it meant to covet if the law had not said, You shall not covet. 8 But sin, grasping the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me coveting of every variety. For in the absence of law sin (is) dead. 9 Once I was alive apart from law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. 10 And I found that the very commandment which was intended to bring life, in reality brought death.��189�� 11 For sin, grasping the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment killed me. 12 So then, in itself the law is holy, and the commandment holy and righteous and good.) 13 Did that which is good then become death to me? Not at all! But sin, in order that it might stand out as sin, produced death in me through that which is good, in order that through the commandment sin might become thoroughly sinful.) ) 7, 8. What shall we say then? Is the law sin?

Not at all! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin, had it not been through the law. For I would not have known what it meant to covet if the law had not said, You shall not covet. But sin, grasping the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me coveting of every variety. For in the absence of law sin (is) dead.) The apostle had made several statements which might lead thoughtless people to believe that the law itself was a sinful thing. Had he not made mention of the sinful passions stimulated by the law ? (7:5).

See also 5:20 and 6:14.) So in the present section (see especially verse 12) the writer makes very clear the fact that, considered in and by itself, the law is not at all sinful. On the contrary, it is exactly God s holy law with special reference here to the Ten Commandments that reveals sin in all its gruesomeness. It does this in order that people may earnestly wage war against sin.) This does not mean that without the written law sin is impossible. Even those who are without that law do sin, as 1:18 20; 2:12, 14, 15; 5:12 14 prove. It means that apart from the written law the terrible, soul-destroying character of sin would not have been known.) By nature people have only a dim awareness of their sinfulness. To be sure, they are often deeply conscious of the other person s guilt.

At times they even reprimand the other person while at the same time committing the very sin they condemn.) Examples from life:) a. The following words were spoken by a (very guilty) husband to his wife, after several hours of pastoral counseling: Well, I ll forgive you; but I ll never forget what you did to me! ) b. Mother reprimanding her little son: I have told you at least a million times not to exaggerate! ) The very existence of the written law makes sin, that is, (in this case) transgression of that law, possible. We should also bear in mind that the only exclusively positive command of the Decalog is, Honor your father and your mother, etc. Do not all the other commands, namely, You shall not have any other gods before me, You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, etc., suggest to sinners that they do the very thing that is forbidden?) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.7-45.7.13|AUTODETECT|” What strikes us in reading ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.7-45.7.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:7 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 is the fact that, in discussing this subject of transgressing God s written law, Paul no less than ten times refers to himself. There are those who believe that Paul is here using the first person singular in a general sense, hence not in an autobiographical manner.��190��) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.8-45.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Calvin did not share that view, and I believe Calvin was correct in taking that position. Paul unlike Mark and the author of the epistle to the Hebrews is not in the habit of hiding his identity. Again and again, throughout his epistles, definitely including Romans, he reveals himself, telling us how a certain matter has affected, or is affecting, him personally, what he is doing, intends to do, is experiencing, or has experienced: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.8-45.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:8 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.19|AUTODETECT|” 6:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.1|AUTODETECT|” 7:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.1-45.9.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.1-45.9.3|AUTODETECT|” 9:1 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.11-45.11.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.11-45.11.13|AUTODETECT|” 11:11 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.1-45.12.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.1-45.12.3|AUTODETECT|” 12:1 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.14-45.15.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.14-45.15.32|AUTODETECT|” 15:14 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Note how the pronouns I, my, and me are also liberally sprinkled throughout the Greetings section (16:1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 17, 19, 21, 23). It is therefore natural to believe that also here (7:7 13) the apostle is actually speaking about himself. He is recounting how the law killed him, that is, how it struck down this self-righteous Pharisee.) 1 2 0 8 0 0 Not as if the events he records were in every respect peculiar to him. Undoubtedly, they must be viewed as being, to a certain extent, the experience of all those who from the notion of salvation by human merit are brought to the conviction of salvation by grace alone.) Now Paul informs us that he never would have come to know sin had it not been through the law; specifically that he would not have known what it meant to covet if the law had not said, You shall not covet. ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.18-40.20.20|AUTODETECT|” It is not surprising that it was especially this tenth commandment that stopped Paul in his tracks, The other commandments, superficially interpreted, forbid transgressions that are, or seem to be, of a more or less external character; especially those of the second table. In this connection read the story of the rich young ruler 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.18-40.20.20|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 20:18 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , with parallels in Mark and Luke). But the tenth commandment strikes directly at the very root of sin, namely, man s sinful heart, his evil desire.) 1 1 0 8 0 0 Perhaps the covetousness here forbidden is a hankering for things that are sinful in themselves. Or it may be an inordinate yearning for things which, used with moderation, would not be sinful but might even be useful (e.g., sports). Or it may be that which is specifically mentioned in the commandment, namely, a craving to deprive a neighbor of anything at all that belongs to him.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Now Paul mentions the fact that sin, grasping the opportunity��191�� afforded by the commandment, produced in him coveting of every variety. As to the different ways in which sinful coveting may express itself, note the following: The parents of the human race coveted the forbidden fruit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.37.4|AUTODETECT|” ); Joseph s brothers, the position of their father s favorite 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.37.4|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 37:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.7.21|AUTODETECT|” ); Achan, a beautiful Babylonian garment and other objects included in the spoils of Jericho 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.7.21|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 7:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.1|AUTODETECT|” ); Ahab, Naboth s vineyard 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.1|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 21:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.13.1|AUTODETECT|” f.); Amnon, Tamar 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.13.1|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 13:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.15.1|AUTODETECT|” ); Absalom, the crown 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.15.1|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 15:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.1|AUTODETECT|” f.); Ananias and Saphira, prestige 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 5:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.18|AUTODETECT|” f.); Simon the Sorcerer, magical healing power 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.18|AUTODETECT|” Acts 8:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.10|AUTODETECT|” f.); Demas, this present world 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.10|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ); and Diotrephes, ecclesiastical pre-eminence 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.9|AUTODETECT|” III John 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.21|AUTODETECT|” Moreover, as is true of every commandment, so also this one must not be interpreted too narrowly. Jesus has made this clear in such passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.21|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.27|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.27|AUTODETECT|” 5:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.31|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.31|AUTODETECT|” 5:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.33|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.33|AUTODETECT|” 5:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 f.) 1 6 0 8 0 0 Along this line the Heidelberg Catechism (Lord s Day XLIV, Q. and A. 113) gives us a meaningful interpretation of the tenth commandment:) Q. What does the tenth commandment require of us?) A. That not even the slightest inclination or thought contrary to any of God s commandments shall ever rise in our hearts, but that at all times we shall hate all sin with our whole heart and delight in all righteousness. ) It is not surprising, therefore, that Paul states, Sin, grasping the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me coveting of every variety. On the other hand, remove that tenth commandment, with its almost endless multitude of suggestions as to how it can be transgressed, and sin lies dormant.) 9. Once I was alive apart from law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life��192�� and I died.) Meaning: There was a time when I felt secure, under no conviction of sin. At that time the full implication of the law had not yet registered in my consciousness, had not yet become an unbearable burden upon my heart. I thought that morally and spiritually I was doing quite well.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.29-41.12.31|AUTODETECT|” But when the commandment came, that is, when it was brought home to me what the law really demanded 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.29-41.12.31|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:29 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), I realized what a great sinner I was. It was then that I died; that is, that was the end of me as a self-satisfied, self-secure person.) 1 1 0 8 0 0 10 12. And I found that the very commandment which was intended to bring life, in reality brought death. For sin, grasping the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment killed me. So then, in itself the law is holy, and the commandment holy and righteous and good.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.18.5|AUTODETECT|” The purpose of the commandment had indeed been to bring life; yes, life everlasting. It was true from the beginning and has always remained true that loving God with all of one s heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving the neighbor as one loves himself brings life, salvation. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.18.5|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 18:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.20.11|AUTODETECT|” , Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.20.11|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 20:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.5|AUTODETECT|” . That Paul has in mind the quoted passage seems probable, in view of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 10:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.6|AUTODETECT|” And so, the self-righteous Jew, the one with little self-knowledge, imagined that by trying very hard, he would be able to earn everlasting life. There was a time when Paul too was of that opinion, as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.64.6|AUTODETECT|” implies. That was before he discovered that all his righteous deeds amounted to nothing better than filthy rags 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.64.6|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 64:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). So for Paul too that very commandment, whose intention was to bring life, actually brought death.) 1 6 0 8 0 0 How was it that while Paul expected life, he found death; and that while he expected happiness, he found gloom? The reason was not that something was wrong with the law. On the contrary, that law was, and always is, holy and righteous and good, since it not only strives to promote these very qualities, as becomes clear from the reading of each commandment, but also reflects the holiness and righteousness and goodness of God.) Is it not a merciful arrangement that, by means of the first and second commandments, God warns against the evil of idolatry, with all the corruption, filth, disappointment, and grief that attends it? That by means of the fourth commandment he sets aside a much needed day of rest and worship for man? That by means of the fifth commandment he places the child under the rule, care, and protection of those who love him most? That by means of the seventh commandment he guards the sacredness of marriage, and by means of the sixth and the eighth, protects human life and property?) So it is made very evident that it was not the law, as such, but it was sin in the present case Paul s own sinfulness that made it impossible for the law to make a person holy and happy.

The commandment, operating by itself, never kills or even hurts anyone. It is sin that kills. It was sin that even deceived Paul, in his unconverted state, into thinking that he would be able to live in strict obedience to God s law. It deceived him, & until one day, in a very dramatic way, it was made clear to him that no matter how hard he tried, he would never, no never, be able thus to attain to the status of righteousness before God.) 13. Did that which is good then become death to me? Not at all!

But sin, in order that it might stand out as sin, produced death in me through that which is good, in order that through the commandment sin might become thoroughly sinful.) Paul had stated that the commandment brought death (verse 10). But how can something that is holy and righteous and good (verse 12) bring death? Paul answers, as it were, It is not the commandment, operating by itself, that brings death. It is transgression of the commandment that does this. In the final analysis, therefore, the real cause of death is sin. The serious character of sin becomes apparent in this very fact that, in order to expose the sinner, it makes use of something which in itself is perfect, namely, God s holy law.

The very whiteness that is, moral-spiritual purity of God s commandment makes the blackness of sin stand out all the more sharply! In the background is the comforting thought, How majestic, holy, wise, and loving is the God who has provided a way in which sin is removed for those who trust in him! ) As has become clear, Paul has allowed us to take a look into his own diary. He has given us a glimpse into his experience prior to, during, and shortly after his conversion. He has said, Once I was alive apart from law, but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.1-44.9.22|AUTODETECT|” There are those who link this and similar expressions with Paul s experience when, as a lad of thirteen, he became a bar mitzvah (son of the law). It was then that, in accordance with Jewish custom, he assumed responsibility to keep the law.��193�� However, such a statement as, Sin sprang to life and I died seems to point to a far more radical experience; namely, to that which is recorded in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.1-44.9.22|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:1 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.3-44.22.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.3-44.22.21|AUTODETECT|” 22:3 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.1-44.26.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.1-44.26.23|AUTODETECT|” 26:1 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.13-48.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ; and especially to what Paul tells us in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.13-48.1.18|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:13 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” . While we should certainly leave room for earlier influences upon Paul s mind and heart, not excluding those exerted on his subliminal consciousness, it was in connection with (a) the dramatic experience on the way to Damascus, (b) the events that took place during the days immediately following, and (c) the happenings during the three years spent in Arabia, that sin sprang to life and Paul the old, Pharisaic Paul died. It was then that the former persecutor had time to reflect on: the kind of man he had been, the witness of Stephen and other Christian martyrs, the way of salvation as summarized in such passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=35.2.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=35.2.0|AUTODETECT|” Hab. 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; etc., and the words spoken to him by Ananias and by Jesus himself.) 1 2 0 8 0 0 Was Paul s conversion experience unique? In certain respects it surely was; in other respects not. There are traits of similarity between the path the apostle had to travel before he surrendered himself wholeheartedly to Christ, and the path others traveled, among them that wonderful child of God, namely, Robert M. McCheyne (1813 1843), as he describes so touchingly in his poem:) Jehovah Tsidkenu = Jehovah our Righteousness) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.6|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.6|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 23:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )) 1 37 0 8 0 0 I once was a stranger to grace and to God,) I knew not my danger, and felt not my load,) Though friends spoke in rapture of Christ on the tree,) Jehovah Tsidkenu was nothing to me.) I oft read with pleasure to soothe or engage,) Isaiah s wild measure and John s simple page;) But e en when they pictured the blood-sprinkled tree,) Jehovah Tsidkenu seemed nothing to me.) Like tears from the daughters of Zion that roll,) I wept when the waters went over his soul,) Yet thought not that my sins had nailed to the tree) Jehovah Tsidkenu t was nothing to me.) When free grace awoke me by light from on high) Then legal fear shook me; I trembled to die;) No refuge, no safety in self could 1 see, ) Jehovah Tsidkenu my Savior must be.) My terrors all vanished before the sweet name,) My guilty fear banished, with boldness I came) To drink at the Fountain, life-giving and free:) Jehovah Tsidkenu is all things to me.) Jehovah Tsidkenu! my treasure and boast;) Jehovah Tsidkenu! I ne er can be lost:) In thee shall I conquer by flood and by field,) My cable, my anchor, my breastplate and shield!) Even treading the valley, the shadow of death!) This watchword shall rally my faltering breath;) For while from life s fever my God sets me free,) Jehovah Tsidkenu! my death-song shall be.) ) 3c. Paul s own experience and that of others like him) (continued):) The wretched man s struggle and victory) Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord ) 7:14 25) 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold as a slave to sin. 15 Indeed, that which I am accomplishing I do not approve of. For not what I want (to do), that do I practice, but what I loathe, that I do. 16 But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 But, this being so, then it is not I who accomplish it, but it is sin dwelling in me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh.

For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot accomplish it.��194�� 19 For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, it is the evil I do not want to do, this I practice. 20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want to do, it is no longer I who am doing it, but it is sin dwelling in me.) 21 So I discover this law��195��: When I want to do good, evil lies close at hand. 22 For according to my inner being I delight in God s law; 23 but I see in my (bodily) members a different law, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself with my mind serve the law of God, but with my flesh the law of sin.) ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” In connection with ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 the question that must be answered is:) 1 7 0 8 0 0 Who is the person described here?) Is he:) a. An unconverted person, whether Paul himself before his conversion, or any other unregenerate individual, perhaps a Jew who has not embraced Christ?) b. An immature believer?) c. Paul himself, the believer, and by extension, the believer generally) An Unconverted Person?) From the days of the early church, throughout the middle ages, and also today, there have been and are many who claim that what Paul says in 7:14 25 cannot refer to the believer but must have reference to the unbeliever. The older Greek fathers endorsed this view. For a while even the great Augustine was of this opinion.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” The one who in the twentieth century has perhaps done most to perpetuate this theory was W. G. K�mmel. See his book, in which there is much that is valuable, R�mer 7 und die Bekehrung des Paulus, Leipzig, 1929. H. R. Ridderbos, whose fine commentary on Romans (Commentaar Op Het Nieuwe Testament, Kampen, 1959) deserves diligent study, also defends the view that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 portrays a man apart from Christ, a person engaged in a desperate struggle under the law (op. cit., p. 165). Ridderbos presents a series of arguments in defense of his view, and claims that his position was not only favored in the early church but is also shared by most present-day exegetes (p. 162). Those who are able to read Dutch should by all means make a careful study of pp. 153 f.; 162 170. Not only is such a study fair to the author but it is also advisable because in my commentary there is no room to enter into all the details of the Dutch scholar s lengthy reasonings. In part he argues as follows:) 1 1 0 8 0 0 a. In verse 14 Paul says For (���) we know that the law is spiritual but I am carnal & How can the fact that I am carnal, if that I indicates a person redeemed by Christ and led by the Holy Spirit, prove the superior power of sin mentioned in verse 13?) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.1|AUTODETECT|” b. Between 8:1 and 7:14 25 there is a sharp contrast. The now of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” does not represent the deplorable situation pictured in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 but a situation which arises afterward; that is, the reign of the Spirit cannot be identified with but follows the reign of sin.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” c. The view according to which 7:14 25 pictures the discord that remains in the life of the believer conflicts with the statements of Paul in chapter 6 and elsewhere regarding this new life. Thus, according to 6:2, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 22, for the Christian sin is the dethroned lord, the lord who has lost his ruling power. In fact, all of chapter 6 is a continuous refutation of the position according to which the I of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 could represent the new man, redeemed by Christ.) 1 4 0 8 0 0 Answer) As to a. This argument misinterprets the word for (���) as here used. Here, as frequently, this word belongs not merely to a part of verse 13 but to the verse taken as a whole.��196�� It has a continuative sense, and by some e.g., N.I.V. is not even translated. The apostle is saying that the fact that the law is spiritual but I am carnal is in harmony with the fact that the law is good but I am exceedingly sinful.) As to b. The situation pictured in 7:14 25 is not all dark. The contrast between 7:14 25 and 8:1 f. must not be exaggerated.

To be sure, the earlier passage dwells on sin, but it also dwells on the struggle against sin. Victory over sin is even recorded (verses 24, 25). The words, Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord (7:25) harmonize beautifully with, So then there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, etc. (8:1).) Similarly, the situation pictured in 8:1 f. is not as bright as some represent it to be. Even chapter 8 recognizes the paradox in the Christian s life between good and evil. This conflict is implied in verse 10 and clearly expressed in verse 13.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.27|AUTODETECT|” Elsewhere too Paul teaches that a spiritual struggle continues in the life of the believer until the day he enters glory. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.27|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.17|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.12-50.3.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.12-50.3.14|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:12 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.6|AUTODETECT|” . The child of God receives the assurance that the One who has begun a good work in him will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 4 0 8 0 0 As to c. Though these statements do indeed picture the Christian as walking in newness of life, having been brought from death to life, and in a sense having died to sin, nevertheless, nowhere does chapter 6 or any other Pauline chapter or passage either state or imply that the believer during his present life here on earth has been completely delivered from his struggle against sin. Do not the exhortations of 6:12, 13, 19 imply that this struggle must be continued?) With respect to the claim that many present-day exegetes favor K�mmel s view, as did also many earlier scholars, this must be granted. As could be expected, the view according to which the unbeliever is able to do whatever is mentioned in 7:14 25, including even the good things, is in favor with Pelagians and to a certain extent with Arminians. However, even some Reformed writers have endorsed the position of K�mmel. But, on the whole, Reformed theologians reject this theory, and so do, and did, many others, as will be shown.) Since the arguments proving that the man pictured in 7:14 25 cannot be an unbeliever are the same as those establishing the fact that this person must be a believer, see below (p. 228) for the defense of the latter theory.) An Immature Believer?) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.1|AUTODETECT|” The question can be asked, however, Though it be granted that the man pictured by Paul in 7:14 25 cannot be an unbeliever, nevertheless, in view of the fact that he makes many unfavorable statements about himself see 7:14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24 is it possible that he is a mere babe in Christ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.1|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.13|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 3:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )? ) 1 2 0 8 0 0 According to this theory three stages of religious position and development are pictured by Paul: (a) that of a person still under the dominion of sin (7:5, 9a); (b) that of the struggling individual, one who hates sin but has not advanced very far on the road of sanctification (7:14 25); and (c) that of the mature and grateful believer, rejoicing in the fact that for him there is now no condemnation (8:1 f.).) But according to Scripture it is exactly the more advanced Christian, the mature believer, who is most deeply concerned about his sin. The more a person has made progress in sanctification, the more also will he abhor his sinfulness.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.1.1|AUTODETECT|” Thus, Scripture pictures Job as a paradigm of virtue 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.1.1|AUTODETECT|” Job 1:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.14.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.14.14|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 14:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.11|AUTODETECT|” James 5:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.42.6|AUTODETECT|” ). Nevertheless, it was exactly Job who exclaimed, I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.42.6|AUTODETECT|” Job 42:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.9.4|AUTODETECT|” ). All will agree that Daniel, the hero of the book of Daniel, was an example of Godfearing life and conduct.��197�� But listen to his humble plea, in which he confesses his own and his people s sin: Alas, O Lord, we have sinned and done wrong & We are covered with shame because of our sins against thee 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.9.4|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 9:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.9.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.9.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.9.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.9.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.6.5|AUTODETECT|” ). A king among the prophets, a most Godfearing person, was Isaiah. Yet, it was precisely Isaiah who cried out, Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips & 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.6.5|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 6:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” This should indicate that the person whom the apostle has in mind in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 need not be considered, and was not necessarily, an immature believer.) 1 2 0 8 0 0 Paul Himself, and by Extension, Believers Generally, Including Even the Most Mature) In line with the humble and self-incriminating language of eminent believers is the fact that Paul too, in referring to himself elsewhere, uses language not far removed from Wretched man that I am! Note the following:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.9|AUTODETECT|” I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God! 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.8|AUTODETECT|” To me, the very least of all the saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.15|AUTODETECT|” Christ Jesus came into the world sinners to save, foremost of whom am I! 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.15|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” The person described in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” hates sin (7:15), wishes to do what is good (verses 19, 21), in his inner being delights in God s law (verse 22), deeply regrets his sins (verses 15, 18 24), and thanks God for his deliverance (verse 25). Is it at all probable that such a person has not been regenerated by the Spirit of God? Contrast all this with the description of the unregenerate (7:5, 9a; 8:5a). Clearly, in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 the apostle, in the words of John Calvin, in his own person describes the weakness of believers and how great it is (Romans, p. 264).) 1 4 0 8 0 0 Important also is the change of tense between 7:5, 9a, on the one hand, and 7:14 25, on the other. Surely the most natural explanation is that there has been a radical change; that is, that the I of the second passage is no longer the unregenerate of 7:5, 9a but is spiritually reborn.��198��) But this regenerated individual is still experiencing a struggle. He has not yet reached heaven. Those who reject the existence of a kind of dualism within the rescued person Paul and, in general, within believers, find it very difficult to explain 7:24, 25:) Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, I myself with my mind serve the law of God, but with my flesh the law of sin. ) The reasons for believing that in 7:14 25 the regenerated individual, Paul, is describing his own condition and that of believers generally, have been given. It has been shown that it cannot be the unbeliever who is here being pictured. Something should now be said about the claim that the opposite view was held by many in the early church and is cherished by most present-day exegetes.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” It has already been admitted that there was a time when Augustine, along with many others, supported the view according to which the person described in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 is the unregenerate. Calvin points out what happened next, and, in doing so, also again reveals his own interpretation of the disputed passage:) 1 1 0 8 0 0 Augustine was for a time involved in the common error, but having more thoroughly examined the passage, not only retracted what he had falsely thought, but in his first book to Boniface proves, by many forceful arguments, that what is said cannot be applied to any but the regenerate (Calvin on Romans, p. 264).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” It has also been admitted that throughout the centuries many exegetes,��199�� especially but by no means exclusively Pelagians, have endorsed the theory according to which ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 is a description of the unregenerate, and that today that view is being propagated, at times even by those confessing the Reformed faith.) 1 19 0 8 0 0 However, it certainly merits serious reflection that in one way or another, and with varying opinions on details, the belief according to which Paul is here referring to himself and, in general, to believers, is endorsed by the following, among many others:) Batey, R. A., The Letter of Paul to the Romans, Austin, 1969, pp. 98 104.) Bavinck, H., Gereformeerde Dogmatiek, third edition, Vol. III, p. 65f.; IV, pp. 282, 283.) Berkhof, L., Systematic Theology, Grand Rapids, 1949, p. 540.) Berkouwer, G. C., Dogmatische Studi�n, Geloof En Heiliging, Kampen, 1949, p. 61, tr. Faith and Sanctification, pp. 59, 60.) Bruce, F. F., The Epistle of Paul to the Romans, (Tyndale Bible Commentaries), Grand Rapids, 1963, pp. 150 156.) Calvin, J., as has been shown.) Cranfield, C.

E. B., op. cit., Vol. I, pp. 344, 355 370.) Fraser, J., A Treatise on Sanctification, London, 1898, pp. 254 356.) Greijdanus, S., op. cit., Vol. I, pp. 337 339.) Haldane, R., The Epistle to the Romans, London, 1966, p. 299.) Hamilton, F. E., The Epistle to the Romans, Grand Rapids, 1958, pp. 111 121.) Hodge, C., op. cit., pp. 357, 386.) Knox, J., op. cit., pp. 498 500.) Kuyper, A., Het Werk van den Heiligen Geest, Kampen, 1927, pp. 583, 612. Engl. tr., The Work of the Holy Spirit, Grand Rapids, 1941, pp. 636 640.) Lenski, R.

C. H., op. cit., pp. 473 492.) Luther, M., Lectures on Romans, p. 203.) Murray, J., op. cit., Vol. I, pp. 256 273.) Nygren, A., Commentary on Romans, Philadelphia, 1949, pp. 284 296.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Pronk, C., Who is the man of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Romans 7:14 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ?, article in The Outlook (Journal of Reformed Fellowship, published in Grand Rapids, Mich.), Nov. 1978, pp. 9 13.) 1 5 0 8 0 0 Steele, D. N., and Thomas, C. C., Romans, An Interpretive Outline, Philadelphia, 1963. pp. 126 130.) Van Andel, J., Paulus Brief Aan De Romeinen, Kampen, 1904, pp. 143 151.) Van Leeuwen and Jacobs, op. cit., Vol. I, pp. 124 137.) Wilson, G. B., op. cit., pp. 117 126.) This is also the stand taken by Evangelical Creeds:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.15|AUTODETECT|” The Westminster Confession of Faith, 1647, speaking about the believers best works (Chapter XVI, par. VI), states, they are defiled and mixed with so much weakness and imperfection that they cannot endure the severity of God s judgment. The annexed scriptural passages include ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.15|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . See Creeds of Christendom, edited by Philip Schaff, Vol. III, p. 635.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.6|AUTODETECT|” The Belgic Confession, 1561, referring to those who have received Jesus Christ as their only Savior (Article XXIX), states, But this is not to be understood as if there did not remain in them great infirmities; but they fight against them through the Spirit all the days of their life & To the French text of the quoted words are appended the following references: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.6|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.17|AUTODETECT|” , etc.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.17|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Creeds of Christendom, Vol. III, p. 420.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.22|AUTODETECT|” The Heidelberg Catechism, 1563, in Lord s Day XLIV, Q. & A. 114, asks, But can those who are converted to God keep these commandments perfectly? and answers, No, but even the holiest men, while in this life, have only a small beginning of this obedience; yet so that with earnest purpose they begin to live not only according to some but according to all the commandments of God. The appended references include ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.22|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . See also Lord s Day LII, Q. & A. 127.) 1 2 0 8 0 0 For Lutheran creedal support for this interpretation, see Lenski, op. cit., pp. 473, 474.) 14. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold as a slave to sin.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.36|AUTODETECT|” As has been indicated, there is a close connection between verses 13 and 14 (see p. 226). Now here in verse 14, Paul starts out by making it very clear that he is not finding fault with God s holy law when it exposes him, even Paul, as being still a sinner. He says that the law is spiritual. He means, as he has already explained (see verse 12), that the law is holy, and the commandment holy and righteous and good; that it is the work of God, the product of the Holy Spirit. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.36|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.24|AUTODETECT|” 4:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.20|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 1:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 0 The same absolute goodness and purity cannot be ascribed to the confessor, Paul. On the contrary, he is carnal.��200��) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Care should be exercised in defining this quality. The apostle does not say, I am in the flesh, or controlled by the flesh see 7:5; 8:8 (cf. 8:5), but I am carnal, which is something else. To be in the flesh means to be basically controlled by one s sinful human nature. A person so described is not a believer. To be fleshly or carnal, on the other hand, means to be the opposite of what the law is. The law of God is spiritual, perfect, divine. In a sense Paul is unspiritual, imperfect. As ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.1|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 indicates, such a carnal person can still be a Christian.) 1 2 0 8 0 0 Moreover, in verse 18 of the section now under discussion the apostle makes an important distinction. By saying, I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh, is he not clearly implying that there is more to him than his flesh, his sinful human nature? Both verse 18 and verse 25 note contrast between my mind and my flesh in the latter verse show that Paul is making a distinction between that which he is with respect to his sinful human nature and that which he is in his more basic inner self. Even a Christian can therefore say, We know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal. ) The question occurs, however, What about the second characterization, namely, sold as a slave to sin ? On the surface this description would seem to exclude Paul from the company of the saved; or, if not, it might appear to indicate that when the apostle says I he is here not thinking of himself but of somebody else, an unbeliever. On closer inspection, and without in any way doing injustice to the deplorable situation here described, we will, however, have to conclude that it is the apostle Paul, the Christian, who is here speaking, and describing his own state, as well as that of all other believers still dwelling on earth.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.20|AUTODETECT|” In the present connection we should first of all take note of the fact that Paul is not saying that he had sold or abandoned himself to sin, as had been true with respect to King Ahab 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.20|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 21:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.17.17|AUTODETECT|” =LXX III Kings 20:20, 25; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.17.17|AUTODETECT|” II Kings 17:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 =LXX IV Kings 17:17). Paul has not sold himself. Someone else has sold him. He, Paul, deplores this situation. It is as if we hear him utter a sigh of agony when he complains, I am & sold as a slave to sin! Can one who so intensely laments his remaining sinfulness be anything but a true believer? When Paul confesses,) 1 3 0 8 0 0 I am carnal, sold as a slave to sin, ) does he not remind us of another contrite child of God, who sighed:) Surely I have been a sinner from birth,) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.51.5|AUTODETECT|” A sinner from the time my mother conceived me ? 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.51.5|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 51:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.13|AUTODETECT|” Does this mean, then, that when David made this confession he was not a believer? See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.13|AUTODETECT|” Luke 18:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14|AUTODETECT|” When ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 is interpreted in light of verses 22 25, it becomes clear that the one who in verse 14 deplores his sinful condition is the same person who in the chapter s closing verses expresses his delight in the law of God, looks forward with impassioned and irresistible longing to the day of his deliverance from his present momentous inner struggle, and is filled with the blessed assurance that Victory is bound to come; in fact, that in principle it is here already!) 1 3 0 8 0 0 However, for the present, the Christian is living in an era in which two ages, the old and the new, overlap. There was a time when Paul was exclusively a sinner. There will be a time when he will be exclusively a saint. Right now, as he is dictating this letter, he is a sinner-saint. A saint, to be sure; but also still a sinner ; hence the tension, the inner conflict. It is a struggle which every true believer experiences, and about which the apostle continues to speak, as follows:) 15.

Indeed, that which I am accomplishing I do not approve of. For not what I want (to do), that do I practice, but what I loathe, that I do.��201��) In view of the fact that the speaker is serving in newness of the Spirit (verse 6) and heartily confesses God s law to be holy, and his commandment holy, righteous, and good (verse 12, and cf. verses 22 25, to which reference has just been made), it is again obvious that Paul, the sincere and humble child of God, is continuing to speak.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.12-50.3.14|AUTODETECT|” As a grateful, warm-hearted believer, his ethical standard is nothing short of moral-spiritual perfection. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.12-50.3.14|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:12 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . But when shall we say at the close of day he reviews what he has accomplished, he is disgusted with himself: God has done so much for him. He (Paul) has done so little in return. Not only that, but the little he has accomplished is tainted with sin. His aim is so much higher than his reach.) 1 6 0 8 0 0 It is indeed wonderful to say with Longfellow:) Not enjoyment and not sorrow) Is our destined end or way,) But to live that each tomorrow) Finds us farther than today.) But what if that ideal is not always realized? The merely moral man may be able to deceive himself into thinking that he is, after all, doing quite well. It is precisely the Christian who will say with Paul, Indeed, that which I am accomplishing I do not approve of. For not what I want (to do) do I practice, but what I loathe, that I do. ��202��) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.17|AUTODETECT|” And is not this the very conflict also mentioned in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.17|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , where the same apostle states, & the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: for these are opposed to each other, so that these very things you may wish to be doing, those you are not doing ?) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.17|AUTODETECT|” There are those, however, who have objected that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.17|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.29|AUTODETECT|” cannot be referring to the same inner conflict, because while the former passage mentions the Spirit, the latter does not. But why would it have been necessary for Paul to repeat his mention of the Holy Spirit, as the Author of sanctification? Are not the references to the Spirit in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.29|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 2:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.6|AUTODETECT|” 7:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.6|AUTODETECT|” sufficient? They are, unless they are interpreted as indicating a spirit other than the divine. But in view of such parallel passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.6|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , this position would be difficult to defend.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” I repeat, therefore, what I wrote in N.T.C. on Galatians, p. 215: Paul, writing as a converted man 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and recording his present state of grace experiences & complains bitterly about the fact that he practices that in which his soul no longer takes delight; in fact, practices that which his regenerated self hates. ) 1 13 0 8 0 0 16. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.) But is there not an easy way out of this painful conflict? Why not simply throw out the law? Why not call it bad and reject it?) Though, on the surface, this might seem to be an easy solution, in reality it is not a solution at all. The Holy Spirit is dwelling in Paul s heart (and in the hearts of all true believers). So very close is the relationship between that Spirit and Paul s own spirit that the apostle is able to say, The law is good.

It is excellent! I must not disobey it! And though Paul does indeed disobey, and is therefore experiencing a bitter struggle, his own voice and that of the Holy Spirit are joined in a marvelous symphony when they eulogize the law.) 17 20. But, this being so, then it is not I who accomplish it, but it is sin dwelling in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot accomplish it.

For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, it is the evil I do not want to do, this I practice. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want to do, it is no longer I who am doing it, but it is sin dwelling in me.) The logical deduction note the words this being so derived from the situation as described in verse 16 is that, since Paul himself does not want to act contrary to God s will, the sins committed should be basically ascribed not to him but to sin. It is sinful nature, here and elsewhere called the flesh, which is the real culprit, the actual offender. It is that wicked squatter, dwelling with Paul in the latter s own house (his soul) who is at the bottom of all this iniquity. It is that intruder who so often makes it impossible for Paul to do the good he wants to do.) It may seem as if Paul, by means of this line of reasoning, is disavowing responsibility for his own sins. That, however, is not actually the case.

Two facts remain true: (a) even the squatter is not a total stranger but is Paul s own sinful nature; and (b) a wicked intruder, an illegal squatter, must not be allowed to remain!) The latter part of verse 18 and the entire verse 19 are similar in meaning to the thought expressed in verse 15. Verse 20 substantially repeats verses 16a, 17.) 21. So I discover this law: When I want to do good, evil lies close at hand.) The word So shows that the apostle here summarizes the contents of the preceding verses (14 20). It is immediately clear that when he here uses the word law, he is not thinking of the Ten Commandments. Law, as here used, must mean something like operating rule or governing principle. For more on this see verse 23.) The inflexible law to which reference is here made, and which the author of this epistle as well as every believer is constantly discovering, is this: When I want to do good, evil lies close at hand.

In view of the fact that, according to verses 17, 20, sinful human nature has established its residence in Paul s own house (his soul), and has done this with a wicked purpose, the statement evil lies close at hand, is indeed very logical. This evil, here personified, may be lying down, but is certainly not sleeping. It is pictured as if it were watching the apostle to see whether he is about to carry out a good intention. Whenever such a noble thought or suggestion enters Paul s heart, evil immediately interrupts in order to turn the good deed into its opposite.) In complete harmony with verse 21 the author continues:) 22, 23. For according to my inner being I delight in God s law; but I see in my (bodily) members a different law, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.��203��) The word For shows that what is found in verses 22, 23 explains the contents of verse 21. The conflict between good and evil mentioned in the earlier verse is amplified and clarified in the present passage.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37-40.22.40|AUTODETECT|” The apostle speaks of two opposing laws. The first is God s law. Though there is a wide difference in opinion with respect to the meaning of this expression, yet in view of the fact that Paul has been referring to God s law as being the revelation of his good and perfect will, and has even quoted a specific commandment of the Decalog (see verses 7, 8, 12), how can there be any good reason to doubt that also here in verse 22 the expression God s law indicates that very system of moral principles or rules that is summarized in the ten commandments and even more concisely in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37-40.22.40|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:37 40) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 (and parallels)?) 1 2 0 8 0 0 It should be borne in mind, however, that for the believer that divine law is not a dead letter, and it certainly is not in any sense a means of salvation. On the contrary, for him it is the ruling principle for the expression of his gratitude.) Understood in this sense, it is not at all strange that he delights in God s law. Right-minded children delight in discovering a way in which they can show their parents, or other benefactors, how much they love them! For the manner in which God s children express this delight in God s law see above, p. 214.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.16|AUTODETECT|” Now the apostle states that he delights in God s law according to his inner being. When he uses such phraseology he is not copying Plato or the Stoics. He is not expressing a contrast between man s rational nature and his lower appetites. With Paul the inner man is the one that is hidden from the public gaze. It indicates the heart. It is here that a new principle of life has been implanted by the Holy Spirit. By means of this implantation the sinner has become a new man, a person who is being daily transformed into the image of Christ. In this connection study such passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.16|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 4:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.16|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.9|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 3 0 8 0 0 In his bodily members (more about that in a moment) Paul sees a different law, one that is constantly waging war against the law of his mind and is making him a prisoner of the law of sin.) If God s law should be interpreted as a governing principle, as has just now been shown, logic requires that also this different law must be thus explained. Clearly as the apostle states in so many words that different law is the law of sin. How it operates has been indicated in verse 21. That it is making the apostle, and all true believers everywhere, prisoners is probably another way of expressing the thought of verse 14b.) Again and again the law of sin causes the author of this letter to do what he does not want to do, and again and again it prevents him from doing what he wants to do, facts about which he bitterly complains, and which he deeply and sincerely deplores.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.5|AUTODETECT|” Emphasis should be focused on the phrase the law of sin which is in my members. Often this phrase is either passed by in silence or touched on very lightly. Nevertheless, it could be more important than is generally realized. That it must have been rather significant to the mind of the writer is clear from the fact that he makes frequent use of it. See 6:13 (twice); 6:19 (twice); 7:5; 7:23 (twice); all this in addition to the figurative (or at least largely figurative) use of this expression, for which see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 12:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.15|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.12|AUTODETECT|” 12:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.16|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.30|AUTODETECT|” 5:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.17-45.15.29|AUTODETECT|” In addition to the comments made previously with respect to these bodily parts or members (see on 6:13, 19; 7:5; pp. 202, 206, 207) note, therefore, also the following: Paul was an ardent missionary. His soul was wrapped up in his work. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.17-45.15.29|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:17 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.22|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.20|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 5:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.12|AUTODETECT|” . To win people for Christ, to the glory of God, meant more to him than even his personal freedom 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.4|AUTODETECT|” f.). He desired intensely that others too would share this enthusiasm 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 0 8 0 0 Now he was well aware of the fact that the way to reach his audiences was through his and their bodily organs. Very important were: the swiftness of his feet, the utterances of his lips, the look in his eyes, the movements of his hands, the attentiveness of their ears, etc., the more so because such communication devices as airplanes, eye-glasses, hearing-aids, etc., had not yet been invented.) Unsurprisingly, therefore, in both the Old Testament and the New, far greater emphasis is placed on bodily parts or members than in present-day literature. In many of the following passages would we today even make mention of the involved bodily members?��204��) mouth ) 7 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.24.57|AUTODETECT|” Genesis 24:57) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Job 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.17.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.17.10|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 17:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.2|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.2|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.35|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.35|AUTODETECT|” 13:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.54|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.54|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:54) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 1 1 0 8 0 0 lips ) 7 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.5.4|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 5:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.30.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.30.6|AUTODETECT|” Num. 30:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.23.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.23.23|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 23:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.8|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.8|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 15:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.15|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 13:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.10|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 3:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 1 1 0 8 0 0 tongue ) 7 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.23.2|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 23:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.6.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.6.30|AUTODETECT|” Job 6:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.35.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.35.28|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 35:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.26|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.26|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.10|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 3:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 1 1 0 8 0 0 feet ) 7 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.22.37|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 22:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.14.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.14.6|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 14:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.14.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.14.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.79|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.79|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:79) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.2|AUTODETECT|” Acts 5:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 1 1 0 8 0 0 hands ) 7 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.22|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 3:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.8.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.8.9|AUTODETECT|” 8:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.2.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.2.24|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 2:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.12|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.12|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.41|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.41|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.31|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 1 1 0 8 0 0 eyes ) 7 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.7.16|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 7:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.7.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.7.7|AUTODETECT|” Job 7:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.13.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.13.18|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 13:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.34|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.34|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 2:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 1:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 1 1 0 8 0 0 ears ) 7 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 1:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.4.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.4.12|AUTODETECT|” Job 4:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.13.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.13.1|AUTODETECT|” 13:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.27|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.27|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.3|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.2.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 2:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 1 8 0 8 0 0 ) ) A striking instance of this constant reference to bodily parts occurs in this very epistle to the Romans (3:13 18), where tongue, lips, mouth, feet, and eyes, are mentioned in one breath, in quotations from the Old Testament.) In mentioning the physical parts and qualities the possibility must not be ruled out that the spiritual part of man s being may have been included. So interpreted, what the writer is saying is this: If I could only serve God in a thoroughly unhampered manner! If only all my faculties of body and soul could be made effective for him and his cause! In any event the continuation is understandable:) 24. Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?) The writer genuinely deplores the fact that due to the law of sin still operating in him, he is unable to serve God as completely and whole-heartedly as he desires.) The poignant grief here expressed is definitely that of a believer.

No unbeliever would ever be able to be so filled with sorrow because of his sins! The author of the outcry is Paul, speaking for every child of God.) The cry he utters is one of distress, but not of despair, as verse 25 proves. Paul suffers agony, to be sure, the wretchedness brought about by strenuous exertion; that is, by trying hard, but never satisfactorily succeeding, to live in complete harmony with God s will but failing again and again. He is looking forward eagerly to the time when this struggle will have ended.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.21|AUTODETECT|” With that in mind he yearns to be rescued from this body of death, that is, from the body in its present condition, subject to the ravages of sin and death.��205�� He knows that as long as he lives in this present body of humiliation 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.21|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) the terrible struggle will be continued. But once the life in that body ceases, the state of sinless glory will commence; first for the soul, then also for the body.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.21|AUTODETECT|” So he answers his own question with a jubilant: 25. Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! He speaks with full assurance. He knows that when a believer dies, this death is gain. To be with Christ is better by far 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.27|AUTODETECT|” ). Sin will have been left behind forever. The conflict will have ended, never to return. In the language of the apostle John, nothing that is impure will enter the Holy City 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.27|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 21:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.23|AUTODETECT|” ). Moreover, the time is coming when even the body will be redeemed 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.23|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.28|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.28|AUTODETECT|” John 5:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” In his jubilant thanksgiving the apostle goes back to the Source of every blessing. He exclaims, Thanks be to God! See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 9:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.56|AUTODETECT|” . He realizes too that it was through the One whom he mentions by his full name Jesus (Savior), Christ (Anointed One), our Lord (Sovereign Ruler, Owner), that salvation, full and free, was obtained. Obtained, moreover, not only for Paul but for all believers. And so he looks forward to the day of glory for them all 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.56|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:56) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.57|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.57|AUTODETECT|” 57) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.8|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 6 0 8 0 0 Summing up the entire argument, Paul concludes this chapter by writing, So then, I myself with my mind serve the law of God, but with my flesh the law of sin.) Note the sharp contrast:) a. the law of God versus the law of sin;) b. my mind versus my flesh.) Is the apostle saying, then, that his mind (verse 25b) or inner being (verse 22) serves the law of God (verses 14, 16, 22); but his flesh (verses 18, 25b) or indwelling sin (sinful human nature, verses 17, 20), serves the law of sin (verse 23)?) Here we should be very careful, for the writer does not consider such things as mind and flesh to be independent beings. On the contrary, as has been pointed out previously, both of these belong to Paul. It is he himself that is, it is the believer himself who remains fully responsible, as is clear from a careful reading of verses 15, 16, 19.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.57|AUTODETECT|” On the other hand, it is also clear that these two (mind, flesh; Paul the saint, Paul the sinner) are not strictly co-ordinate. No, it is with his inner being or mind that Paul wants to do the will of God (see verses 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22). The flesh is the intruder, who is being driven out and will certainly lose the battle. That is due not to Paul s goodness but to God s grace, as the apostle loudly and cheerfully proclaims by shouting, Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Compare ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.57|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:57) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , also written by the triumphant believer, Paul!) 1 1 0 8 0 0 We see, therefore, that the passage (verse 25b), considered in both of its parts (a) I myself with my mind serve the law of God ; and (b) but with my flesh the law of sin links beautifully with chapter 8, note verse 10 of that chapter; and also that verse 25a Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! is a very appropriate introduction to 8:1, There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” For more on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; see pp. 245, 246, 249, 250.) 1 1 0 8 0 0 ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.0|AUTODETECT|” Practical Lessons Derived from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.0|AUTODETECT|” Romans 7) 1 5 0 8 0 0 Verses 4 and 6) So, my brothers, you too were made dead to the law through the body of Christ, so that you might belong to another, even to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God & We have been released from the law, so that we serve in newness of (the) Spirit, not in oldness of (the) letter. ) It is clear from this that the genuine Christian life is not that of bondage but that of freedom. It is not motivated by external regulations but by love for the One to whom believers belong, even Christ. It is not guided by selfish interests but by the Spirit. And it is not barren but fruitful.) Verse 7) What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Not at all! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin, had it not been through the law. ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.13|AUTODETECT|” Often the statement is heard, We have nothing to do with the law. Or The law was for the Jews. It is not for us. That is not the language Paul uses. For him God s holy law was of value in more ways than one. See above, p. 184. But it cannot save. It can and does reveal our sinfulness, and because of its very impotency, it points to Another, namely, Christ, as our Savior. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.24|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 3 0 8 0 0 Verses 15 and 20) For not what I want (to do), that do I practice, but what I loathe, that I do & But if I am doing the very thing I do not want to do, it is no longer I who am doing it, but it is sin dwelling in me. ) A very frequent and practical question is, Am I a child of God? Would not the answer be, Do you recognize yourself in the words quoted just now? If you do, then will you not also be able to say, Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! ? Those who can say that are surely Christians.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” A dear child of God told the author of this book, whenever I read ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , I see myself. By sovereign grace this brother had within his heart the blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. ) 1 6 0 8 0 0 Summary of Chapter 7) Just as a woman, by means of a death (that of her husband) is released from her marriage bond and allowed to marry another man, so also by a death (the believers death with Christ) God s children are released from indebtedness to the law, the latter s bill having been fully paid by Christ s voluntary and vicarious sacrifice. Believers have, accordingly, obtained liberty. This liberty is a freedom from and a freedom for. It is a freedom from the obligation to keep the law in order to be saved, and is therefore also a freedom from the curse which the law pronounces upon the disobedient. But it is at the same time a freedom for or with a view to, a freedom in order to render service to God in newness of the Spirit, not in oldness of the letter (verses 1 6).) Release from the law, in the sense indicated, does not imply that the law is sinful. On the contrary, the law is good and useful, for it lays bare our sinfulness.

It puts to death our sinful pride and vaunted self-sufficiency. I would not have come to know sin, had it not been through the law. For I would not have known what it meant to covet if the law had not said, You shall not covet. Therefore, In itself the law is holy, and the commandment holy and righteous and good. ) Paul has stated that the commandment slays us. But how can something that is good bring death? The apostle answers that it is not the commandment, operating by itself, that slays us; it is our transgression of the commandment that does this.

Hence, the real cause of death is sin. It remains true, however, that the very whiteness (moral-spiritual purity) of God s commandment causes the blackness of our sin to stand out all the more sharply.) By saying such things as Once I was alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died & the commandment killed me & , Paul gives us a glimpse into his own experience prior to, during, and shortly after his conversion (verses 7 13).) In verses 14 25, which section follows logically upon verses 7 13, Paul, the believer, reflecting on his own situation and that of others like him, discusses The Wretched Man s Struggle and Victory. He does not find fault with God s holy law when it exposes him, even Paul, and others like him, as being still polluted with sin. He clearly and openly confesses, We know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold as a slave to sin. He admits, therefore, that although absolute goodness can be ascribed to God s law, it cannot be predicated of himself, Paul. He knows that as long as he is on this sinful earth, he is carnal, that is, unspiritual, worldly, far from perfect.

Being a true child of God, the apostle genuinely deplores the fact that he had been sold as a slave to sin. He confesses, Indeed, that which I am accomplishing I do not approve of. For not what I want (to do), that do I practice, but what I loathe, that I do & For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, it is the evil I do not want to do, this I practice. ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.17|AUTODETECT|” Is not this the very conflict which is also mentioned in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.17|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.12|AUTODETECT|” , where the same apostle states, The flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: for these are opposed to each other, so that those very things you may wish to be doing, those you are not doing ? And is not this realization of imperfection similar to that expressed in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , Not that I have already gotten hold or have already been made perfect & I do not count myself yet to have laid hold ?) 1 4 0 8 0 0 However, the very fact that in his inner being Paul does not really want to do what is contrary to God s will but loathes this situation, fills him with courage, so that he is able to exclaim,) For according to my inner being I delight in God s law; but I see in my (bodily) members a different law, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! The fact, frankly admitted by him in a summarizing statement, namely, So then, I myself with my mind serve the law of God, but with my flesh the law of sin, does not cancel the essence of the assurance of victory expressed in those memorable words, Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! (verses 14 25).) ) ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.25|AUTODETECT|” 184 Note ����������, third per. s. fut. indicat. intransit. of ���������. The word has a rich variety of meanings: act. to warn 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.25|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 12:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ); pass. to be warned 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 2:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.8.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.8.5|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 8:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.7|AUTODETECT|” 11:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.22|AUTODETECT|” ); to be directed 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.22|AUTODETECT|” Acts 10:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.26|AUTODETECT|” ); to be revealed 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.26|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.3|AUTODETECT|” , pp. 175, 176); here 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.3|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.11.26|AUTODETECT|” ) and in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.11.26|AUTODETECT|” Acts 11:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , to be called, styled, branded.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.32|AUTODETECT|” 185 Here the still living husband s faithfulness is assumed. Otherwise the rule implied in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.32|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 (see N.T.C. on Matthew, p. 305) would apply.) 1 3 0 8 0 0 186 I can see no good reason for weakening the meaning of ����������, 2nd per. pl. aor. indicat. passive of �������, to put to death.) 187 ) In Paul s epistles the word ���� (flesh) has the following meanings:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.39|AUTODETECT|” a. the chief substance of the body, whether of men or of animals 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.39|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:39) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 );) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.5|AUTODETECT|” b. the body itself, in distinction from the spirit, mind, heart 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.5|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 );) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” c. earthly existence 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.22|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 );) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.29|AUTODETECT|” d. a human being, viewed as a weak, earthly, perishable creature 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.29|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.16|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.40.6|AUTODETECT|” ). This usage depends heavily on the Hebrew. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.40.6|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 40:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , All flesh is grass, etc.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.8|AUTODETECT|” e. physical descent or relationship 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 );) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.5|AUTODETECT|” f. the human nature, without any disparagement 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 );) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.3|AUTODETECT|” g. human worth and attainment, with emphasis on hereditary, ceremonial, legal, and moral advantages; the self apart from regenerating grace; anything apart from Christ on which one bases his hope for salvation 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.3|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 );) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.5|AUTODETECT|” h. sinful human nature: the human nature viewed as the seat and vehicle of sinful desire 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.3-45.8.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.3-45.8.9|AUTODETECT|” 8:3 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.16|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.8|AUTODETECT|” 6:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 0 8 0 0 188 Note e��� expressing result.) 189 Literally: And there was found for me the commandment, the one for life, this very one for death.) 190 Cranfield, op. cit., p. 351.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.12|AUTODETECT|” 191 ������, acc. s. of ����� (=��, from, and A���, impulse, incentive), place from which one starts out, base of operations, springboard; and so: pretext 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.12|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 11:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.12|AUTODETECT|” ); occasion 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.12|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 5:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.14|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 5:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.8|AUTODETECT|” ); opportunity 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.13|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.9|AUTODETECT|” 192 When the prefix �� in the verb ����� retains its full force, as it does in a variant reading of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.9|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 14:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.9|AUTODETECT|” , the meaning is to live again, to return to life. Here, in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.9|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.4|AUTODETECT|” the prefix has probably lost some of its force, as happens often in the case of prefixes, so that the meaning of the entire verb is simply became alive, sprang to life. See L.N.T. (A. and G.), p. 53). With respect to the simple verb ���, the basic meaning is to live. As to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.4|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 20:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 (�����) translator are divided in their opinion: some (R.S.V., N.A.S., Phillips, N.I.V.) have adopted the rendering they came to life or even These came to life again (N.E.B.). Others (A.V., A.R.V., Beck, Williams, Berkeley) translate They lived. It is a matter if interpretation, the result in some cases probably depending on the theology of the translator. In order to reach the right conclusion the subject of the sentence should be taken into account. For the rest, see the author s More Than Conquerors, pp. 230, 231; and The Bible on the Life Hereafter, pp. 154 156.) 1 5 0 8 0 0 193 For more on this see N.T.C. on Luke, p. 183.) 194 Or: For to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not.) 195 Or: rule, principle. So also three times in verse 23.) 196 So also Cranfield, op. cit., p. 355.) N.I.V. New International Version) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.14.14|AUTODETECT|” 197 The question whether the Daniel mentioned in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.14.14|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 14:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.1.6|AUTODETECT|” was the one of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 1:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 or was someone else need not detain us.) 1 1 0 8 0 0 198 The point made by both Mitton and Robinson (for reference see footnote 199) that in verse 14 the contrast is not between what I am and what I was, but between the law and myself, can be readily granted. But the real argument in favor of viewing verses 14 25 as a description of Paul the believer, is the contrast between, on the one hand, the past tense in such passages as 7:5, 9a, and the present tense, from start to finish, in 7:14 25.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” 199 For example, J. A. Bengel, R. Bultmann, J. Denney, C. H. Dodd, A. E. Garvie, F. Godet, C. Gore, K. E. Kirk, W. Sanday and A. C. Headlam, J. Weiss, to mention only a few, in addition to W. G. K�mmel and H. R. Ridderbos. For a kind of compromise position ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 is the description of the experience of any morally earnest man, whether he be a Christian or not see the interesting article by C. L. Mitton, Romans vii Reconsidered, ET 65 (1953, 1954), pp. 78 81, 99 103, 132 135. Interesting and instructive, but to me not entirely convincing! For a view somewhat resembling that of Mitton see John A. T. Robinson, Wrestling with Romans, Philadelphia, 1979; see especially p. 82f.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.3|AUTODETECT|” 200 Though it is true that the best reading favors ��������, basically meaning composed of flesh in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.3|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 3:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14|AUTODETECT|” note contrast between stone and flesh , and not the more usual ��������; yet, as used here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.1|AUTODETECT|” , �������� must mean carnal, that is unspiritual, worldly. Proof: (a) sold as a slave to sin ; (b) in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.1|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 �������� is contrasted with �����������; hence, carnal with spiritual.) 1 1 0 8 0 0 201 ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.27|AUTODETECT|” ������������. As is clear from other instances of its use, the meaning of this verb is basically to work out, to accomplish; hence also: to bring about, to produce. The emphasis is generally on effective action. Thus ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.27|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 makes mention of persons who perpetrate indecent acts; and 2:9 castigates evil-doers. According to 4:15 the law produces wrath. According to 5:3 suffering brings about perseverance. See also 7:8, 13.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.15|AUTODETECT|” �������. For the use of this verb (basically: to know) in the sense of to recognize, acknowledge 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.15|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.23|AUTODETECT|” ) see Josephus, Antiquities V. 112 . A slight transition in meaning produces: to approve of, acknowledge as one s own; see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.23|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.8.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.8.3|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 8:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.9|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 4:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.15|AUTODETECT|” . To approve of is probably the meaning here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.15|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . See the explanation.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.23|AUTODETECT|” ������. Basically this verb means to do, to practice, to be occupied with. It is therefore a synonym of �����, in one of the latter s meanings. In the New Testament ������, is often used in an unfavorable sense 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.23|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.20|AUTODETECT|” John 3:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.36|AUTODETECT|” Acts 19:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.25.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.25.11|AUTODETECT|” 25:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.25.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.25.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.32|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.1-45.2.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.1-45.2.3|AUTODETECT|” 2:1 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.4|AUTODETECT|” 13:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.21|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 12:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.21|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.19|AUTODETECT|” ). In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.19|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 note the contrast: do good practice evil.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.11|AUTODETECT|” However, there are exceptions. In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.11|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.10|AUTODETECT|” and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.10|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 5:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.20|AUTODETECT|” the verb ������ is used with objects both good and bad; while the objects mentioned in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.20|AUTODETECT|” Acts 26:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 2:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.9|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.9|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 are wholly good.) 1 5 0 8 0 0 202 It is clear that in this statement the verb ������� is in apposition with ����, and in opposition to ����. Therefore, from among a series of possible meanings for the verb �������, the meaning approve (of) is probably the best.) N.T.C. W. Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary) 203 ) ���������, not here rejoice with but rejoice in. See M.M., p. 607; cf. Liddell & Scott, Greek-English Lexicon, Vol. II, p. 1715. For a different view see A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures, Vol. IV, p. 370; also L.N.T. (A. and G.), p. 797.) ����������������, acc. s. masc. pres. participle of ��������������, to wage war against.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.24|AUTODETECT|” �0������������ (same construction as the above), from �0��������� (from �0���, spear, and ��������, to capture); hence, originally, to capture with the spear; then, as here, simply: to capture, to carry off as a captive or prisoner. The verb also occurs in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.24|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.10|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 5:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.6|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . See N.T.C. on Luke, p. 947.) 1 8 0 8 0 0 It is here that Paul is here making use of military metaphors. For another possible example see on 6:13, pp. 202, 203. If the word ����� (7:8, 11) is rendered base of operations, this would be still another such figure of speech. On military metaphors see also N.T.C. on Ephesians, pp. 271 280.) 204 Those who are unable to read the original are advised to look up these references in the A.V., since in the more recent translations the names of these bodily parts are sometimes omitted.) 205 ) The correct translation of the phrase �x ���� (here gen. ��� �������, after �) ��� ������� ������ is probably not the body of this death but this body of death. Reasons:) a. The immediately preceding verse clearly refers to members or parts of Paul s physical body.) b.

Previously there has been a reference to your mortal body (6:12).) c. In 8:23 the apostle is still speaking about a physical body.) For the opposite view see Murray, op. cit., p. 268.)