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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS

CHAPTER SEVEN:
“Conflicting Laws”

[“Rescue from Misery”]
Key word: Law
Theme Verse: 23

Romans 7:1-3 – The Law Is Master of the Living?

RO7:1 Or, are you brothers ignorant? 341 Because I speak to those who know law: 342 the Law 343 lords it over the human during such time he is living. 344

341	Are you brothers ignorant: Or, KNX: you must surely be aware. Paul seems to speak directly to Jewish men.

342	Because I speak to those who know law: A direct address to those Jews earlier.

343

The Law: The word “law” occurs 80 times in Romans. The word occurs 14 times in this chapter alone, almost in every verse becoming the key word. Law is a rule of conduct for which there is a punishment; or, a general principle. “Law” will be used in half a dozen different ways in this chapter, including, of course, the Law of Moses.

344	Lords it over the human during such time he is living: Or, KJV: the law hath dominion; MON: law governs a person only during his lifetime; KNX: that legal claims are only binding on a man so long as he is alive. See notes on Romans 3:19.

RO7:2 For example, a wife is subject to her husband as long as he is alive, 345 bound by [his] law. 346 However, if the husband dies she is released from the husband’s law. 347

345

A wife is subject to her husband as long as he is alive: The literal Greek is “a woman is subject to a male…” As in some languages whether this woman or male is a wife or husband is determined by the context. The Greek word here for “is subject to” is HYP(O) - ANDROS (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5220) or under + male suggesting subjection under a male, or marriage. (Genesis 3:16; 1 Corinthians 7:39; 1 Corinthians 11:3; see notes on Ephesians 5:24) Wifely submission is taught throughout the Bible.

346	Bound by [his] law: The Law of Moses – the marriage law – permitted a husband to disavow any promise his wife made. (Numbers 30:8) So, here we have the Law of Moses as well as the “law” of a husband.

347	If the husband dies she is released from the husband’s law: GDS: the marriage law no longer applies to her. The “law” of subjection is removed when the husband dies.

RO7:3 So, then, while her husband is living, she would be called an adulteress 348 if she were joined to another male. But, if her husband dies, she is free from his law 349 and she is not an adulteress if she becomes joined to 350 another male.

348	She would be called an adulteress: This “law” was endorsed by Jesus. (See notes on Matthew 5:32; 19:9.) There is the allusion to the Ten Commandments here, “You shall not commit adultery.”

349	She is free from his law: Paul is illustrating to these Jews that they are bound to the Law of Moses as long as they live. See notes on Romans 7:4.

350	Joined to: Or, married to.

Romans 7:4-6 – Dead to the Law

RO7:4 Therefore, my brothers, you were also put to death [in relation] to the Law, 351 by the body of the Christ, so that you may be joined to another 352 – the One raised up from the dead – so that we should bear fruitage to The God. 353

351

You were also put to death [in relation] to the Law: Or, KJV: become dead to the law; KNX: you too have undergone death, as far the law is concerned; NEB: died to the law by becoming identified with the body of Christ; WMS: ended our relation to the law; CON: by union with the body of Christ. This “law” is later clearly identified. See notes on Romans 6:14. (Galatians 2:19; Colossians 2:14) The Law of Moses has no power of a dead person and so it has no power over a Christian disciple.

352	May be joined to another: Or, KJV: married to another; GDS: belong to another husband; PME: you are free to give yourselves in marriage. (2 Corinthians 11:2)

353	We should bear fruitage to The God: Or, PME: you may be productive for God. (Galatians 5:22; Colossians 1:10; compare John 15:1-8)

RO7:5 For when we were in harmony with the flesh, 354 the sinful passions 355 which resulted from the Law 356 worked within our body-members bearing the fruitage of the death. 357

354	When we were in harmony with the flesh: Or, KJV: when we were in the flesh; WEY: while we obeyed our lower nature; TCN: we were living merely earthly lives; MOF: when we were unspiritual. (Galatians 5:19; see notes on Romans 8:5)

355	The sinful passions: Or, KJV: motions of sins; MOF: sinful cravings; ALF: the stirrings of sins. Review notes on Romans 1:28-32. Christians are no longer “in harmony with the flesh” and so “sinful passions” have been put to death.

356	Which resulted from the Law: Or, TNT: aroused by the law; MOF: excited by the law. Paul has said that where there is no law there is no sin. Law defines sin and therefore focuses on sins.

357	Worked within our body-members bearing the fruitage of the death: Or, KJV: did work our members to bring forth fruit unto death; GDS: operated through the organs of our bodies. See notes on Romans 6:21.

RO7:6 But, now, having died to that which held us fast, 358 we have been released from the Law, 359 that we should be slaves in a newness of spirit, 360 and not in old writings. 361

358	Having died to that which held us fast: Or, GDS: the law no longer applies to us. (Galatians 2:19) That is, died to the Law of Moses.

359

We have been released from the Law: Or, ASV: discharged from the law; RHM: received full release; CON: has lost its hold on us; GDS: the law no longer applies to us. See notes on Romans 10:4 and Ephesians 2:15. (Colossians 2:14) This includes the Ten Commandments as Paul goes onto identify them with “the Law.”

360	We should be slaves in a newness of spirit: Or, KJV: serve in newness of spirit; WEY: render a service which is new and spiritual; CON: new service of the spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:6)

361	Not in old writings: Or, KJV: oldness of the letter; WEY: not old and ceremonial; TCN: old, written regulations. Paul includes the Ten Commandments in this expression as he shows elsewhere. See notes on Romans 2:21, 22 and Romans 7:7.

Romans 7:7-12 – Is the Law Sinful?

RO7:7 What, then, will we say? Is the Law sinful? 362 Never! However, I would not have known sin if not for of the Law. 363 I would have not known what covetousness was 364 but for the Law which said, “You shall not covet.” 365 [Exodus 20:17]

362	Is the Law sinful: Or, KJV: is the law sin; TCN: that law and sin are the same thing; WEY: is the law itself a sinful thing. See notes on Romans 7:14. Paul suspects such an assertion based on earlier arguments.

363

I would not have known sin if not for of the Law: Or, KJV: I had not known sin except by the law; TCN: I would not have learnt what sin is. See notes on Romans 3:20. At Galatians 3:19 Paul shows the real purpose of the law to manifest sin. One may drive a road, but without a sign to state the speed limit, the driver would not know what breaking the law (sin) is. Now more conscious of the speed limit, the driver knows what sin is, and whether he or she obeys the law influences many factors in their lives.

364

I would have not known what covetousness was: Or, KJV: I had not known lust; ASV: I had not known coveting. The Greek word here is EPI-THYMESEIS (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1939) which means literally over + desire, or to overly desire something. (Greed) Compare the Nazarene’s warning at Luke 12:15 where the word is PLEONEXIAS.

365	You shall not covet: Paul quotes the Ten Commandments indicating what he means by “law.” The Jewish Greek Septuagint uses EPI-THYMESEIS at Exodus 20:14-17. (Deuteronomy 5:21; see notes on Ephesians 5:3)

RO7:8 So, sin provided the opportunity 366 and the commandment on covetousness worked against me. 367 For, without the Law sin is dead. 368

366

Sin provided the opportunity: Or, KJV: but sin, taking occasion; ASV: finding occasion; TCN: sin took advantage of; GDS: gave sin an opening; MON: sin had gained a vantage-ground; BER: command a fulcrum; NEB: found its opportunity. See notes on Romans 4:15 and Romans 5:20. Some, seeing the speed limit sign, will be tempted to go beyond what the law permits, or will deliberately challenge the law out of spite.

367

The commandment on covetousness worked against me: Or, KJV: wrought in me all manner of concupiscence; TCN: to arouse in me every form of covetousness; GDS: it led me to all sorts of covetous ways; WMS: it stirred up within me every sort of evil desire; NEB: produced in me all kinds of wrong desires.

368	Without the Law sin is dead: Or, TCN: where there is no consciousness of law sin show no sign of life; PME: for sin, in the absence of the Law, has no chance to function technically as ‘sin’. (1 Corinthians 15:56)

RO7:9 Now, I once was living without law 369 but when the commandment arrived sin came to life, 370 but I died. 371

369

I once was living without law: Or, KJV: I was alive without the law once; RHM: I was alive apart from law at one time. There are some problems with this phrase and so there are a variety of opinions. One is that Paul now speaks corporately as a Hebrew. Compare Hebrews 7:10. He was once “alive” in the loins of the patriarchs, before the Law came into existence. (See notes on Romans 11:1.)

370	When the commandment arrived sin came to life: Or, KJV: when the commandment came; TCN: when the Commandment was brought home to me. It seems possible Paul refers to the arrival of the Mosaic Law when sin was made manifest. (Galatians 3:19)

371

But I died: Paul speaks for the corporate Hebrew who existed before the Law of Moses and when that Law was revealed from Sinai was condemned to death for deeds which previously had not had a law to sanction them. An example would be Lot’s daughters having intercourse with their father. (Genesis 19:31, 32; 2 Corinthians 3:6)

RO7:10 The commandment purposed for life really resulted in death. 372

372

The commandment purposed for life really resulted in death: Or, KJV: the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death; WEY: the commandment designed to bring life brought me death. Compare Leviticus 18:5; Ezekiel 20:11. Even the Nazarene suggests the same. (Luke 10:28) It is best to consider the notes on Romans 2:12 here. The ancient Hebrew or Jew who observed the Law will be judged unto righteousness by it in the judgment.

RO7:11 For sin, receiving the opportunity by means of the commandment, 373 deceived me and killed me. 374

373	Sin, receiving the opportunity by means of the commandment: Or, KJV: taking occasion by the commandment; WEY: sin seized the advantage; MOF: the command gave an impulse to sin. First, Paul has in mind the commandment on covetousness. The very law aroused the possibility of covetousness.

374	Deceived me and killed me: Or, KJV: deceived me, and by it slew me; ASV: beguiled me; TAY: fooled me. (Hebrews 3:13)

RO7:12 However, the Law is, indeed, holy 375 and the holy commandment right and good. 376

375	The Law is, indeed, holy: For it comes from the Judge of All the Earth. A possible allusion to Psalm 19:8.

376	The holy commandment right and good: The Law of God is righteous and just and in harmony with what is correct and factual. The law results in only good and not what is harmful to others. See notes on Romans 10:5. Compare possible allusions to Psalm 119:39, 72.

Romans 7:13-20 – Law of Indwelling Sin: “It Is Not Me”

RO7:13 So then, did good become death to me? 377 No, never! But, sin [did] – sin made apparent through the goodness [of the Law] 378 – producing death in me. This was so that what is sin might be excessively sinful 379 by means of the commandment. 380

377	Did good become death to me: Or, CON: good become to me death. Paul continues to speak as the corporate Hebrew, or for corporate humanity. He poses this question and goes on to explain what mankind’s problem is: indwelling sin.

378	Sin made apparent through the goodness [of the Law]: Or, GDS: might be recognized by sin. See notes on Romans 3:23 and Romans 5:12. Sin produces death. The Law is good because it fulfilled its purpose to make sin manifest. (Galatians 3:19; 1 Corinthians 15:56)

379

Sin might be excessively sinful: That is, “sin might become even worse because it has been identified.” Or, RSV: sinful beyond measure; WEY: the unspeakable sinfulness of sin might be plainly shown. See notes on Romans 5:13. (Galatians 3:19) A person may covet without realizing it. Upon reading the Law the sinfulness of such becomes more pronounced by knowledge.

380	By means of the commandment: Including the Ten Commandments as shown earlier.

RO7:14 For we realize that the Law is a spiritual thing; 381 but, I am fleshly, having been sold into the sin. 382

381	We realize that the Law is a spiritual thing: That is, “the Law of Moses originated from a spiritual source.” Both natural law and the Mosaic Law are something spiritual because of their divine source as well as what dwells within the conscience. (See notes on Romans 2:12-15.)

382

I am fleshly, having been sold into the sin: Or, KJV: carnal; RHM: a creature of flesh; WEY: I am unspiritual. See notes on Romans 5:12 and Romans 6:16. (Psalm 51:1-5) It is not the fault of the individual that forces and circumstances beyond anyone’s control worked against us before our birth, even as Paul has already mentioned. See notes on Romans 7:9. “The sin” is that of Adam, the progenitor of the human race. Mankind is “fleshly” not by its own choice. Fleshly means essentially guided by the flesh as opposed to the spirit.

RO7:15 For I do not understand my own actions. 383 Now I want to do good but what I detest is what I do. 384

383

I do not understand my own actions: Or, KJV: for that which I do I allow not; RHM: that which I am working out I do not approve. Most of mankind are unaware what makes them do some things, and at the same time are hesitant to admit such. For this reason the prophet says what he does at Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful and dangerous.”

384

I want to do good but what I detest is what I do: Or, TCN: for I am so far from habitually doing what I want to do that I find myself doing the very thing that I hate; MOF: I do not act as I desire to act; on the contrary, I do what I detest; WEY: I do not act as I would, but I do what I loathe. Mankind basically wants to do good but end up doing what they themselves hate. This is the conscience at work.

RO7:16 So, if I do what I do not want to do then I agree with the Law – that it is good. 385

385

I agree with the Law – that it is good: Or, KJV: consent unto the law that it is good; RHM: acknowledge the goodness of the law. If mankind is essentially good then the conscience opposes what the heart knows is wrong. (See notes on Romans 2:12-15) Humanity in general has always desired some form of law and thus virtually all civilized and tribal peoples have had their own laws to protect social order.

RO7:17 Consequently, it is not me producing it. 386 Rather, it is the sin residing within me. 387

386	It is not me producing it: Or, KJV: now then it is no more I that do it; TCN: the action is no longer my own. If mankind demonstrates the goodness of law even naturally, and if they do things they really do not want to do – then there is another force at work.

387	It is the sin residing within me: Or, MON: it is sin which has its home in me; LAM: sin which dominates me. “The sin” is Adamic – like inheriting a flawed DNA. (Job 14:1-4; Psalm 51:1-5; see notes on Romans 5:12) Mankind’s sin is not really what they have truly wanted.

RO7:18 For I realize that good does not reside in me, 388 that is, in my flesh. The will [to do good] is present in me 389 but the ability to produce what is good is not. 390

388

I realize that good does not reside in me: Or, TCN: earthly nature; WEY: lower self; KNX: (in my natural self) no principle of good dwells in me. (Genesis 6:5; Isaiah 64:6) Paul qualifies himself in behalf of all humanity. It is the flesh of humankind that is no longer driven by principles of goodness. The human from birth tends to be selfish and egocentric. Selflessness and humility must be learned.

389

The will [to do good] is present in me: Or, KJV: for to will is present with me; GDS: I can will; WEY: for the wish to do right is there. Humankind with its implanted conscience wishes or wills to do what seems right, good, and correct. The Nuremberg Trials called this, “the universal human conscience.” Universal human laws throughout history prove this to be true.

390

The ability to produce what is good is not: Or, KJV: but how to perform that which is good I find not; WEY: but not the power. Despite the best intentions or conscientious desires, the ability or mechanism to always do good is lacking. It is as though some part of the human being was left out or removed. Humankind’s ancient memories think it is still in Eden for it was created such.

RO7:19 So, the good that I want, I do not do; 391 but, the bad I do not want to do, is what I do. 392

391	The good that I want, I do not do: Or, GDS: I do not do the good things that I want to do. Humankind wants to always do good but cannot. Righteous persons may have many plans and wishes to do what is right but fail to follow through. What interferes with good intentions are egotism and greed.

392

The bad I do not want to do, is what I do: Or, KJV: but the evil which I would not, that I do; MON: the evil which I do not intend to do, that I am ever practicing; GDS: I do the wrong things that I do not want to do. Paul has described mankind’s plight under Adam sin. Compare James 4:17. Sometimes this “bad” is the sin of omission, or failure to follow through on good intentions. For example, one may see someone in need and wants to help but gets diverted.

RO7:20 So then, if I do what I do not want, it is no longer me producing [the bad] but the sin residing within me. 393

393

It is no longer me producing [the bad] but the sin residing within me: Or, KJV: it is no more I that do it; CON: if my own will is against my deeds; TCN: the action is no longer my own; KNX: it must be the sinful principle that dwells in me. (Ecclesiastes 7:20) In the absolute sense it is not humankind’s fault – for essentially they wish to do good – but what Paul will go on to call the “law of sin.” This Adamic sin resides in the flesh; it is virtually part of the inherited DNA.

Romans 7:21-25 – Rescued from Conflicting Laws

RO7:21 I discover, then, this principle: 394 when I want to do good, bad is present. 395

394	This principle: Or, KJV: a law; MOF: my experience. Paul now summarizes the fundamental principle affecting al mankind.

395

When I want to do good, bad is present: Or, NEB: when I want to do right, only the wrong is within my reach; GDS: that I who want to do right am dogged by what is wrong. In other words: When humankind wishes to do good, the bad alternative is always there. Compare Jeremiah 17:9. A human being capable of free will is always confronted with the decision between something good or bad. Only by self-control and discipline over a period of time can a disciple reverse this trend to a degree, though not perfectly. It is often a matter of simply mentally saying “No” to a thought or course of action.

RO7:22 I truly delight in the Law of The God according to the human within. 396

396

I truly delight in the Law of The God according to the human within: Or, KJV: delight in the law of God after the inward man; RHM: a sympathetic pleasure in the law; GDS: my inner nature agrees with the divine law. If Paul continues to speak for sinful humanity he states a principle uttered by the Nuremberg Trials regarding “the universal human conscience.” Basically, mankind has craved law: the Jews the Law of Moses; the non-Jewish world their natural law of the “universal human conscience.” Despite all evil, the admiration for the rule of law has always been present in all tribes of the earth. Humanity demonstrates that they “delight in the law.”

RO7:23 However, I realize another principle in my body members, 397 fighting against my mental principle 398 and leading me as a captive to the principle of the sin. 399

397

I realize another principle in my body members: Or, KJV: I see another law in my members; GDS: all through my body I see another principle. Despite this universal admiration for law the truth is there is a principle working against this – inherited sin, as though a virus got into the computer program.

398

Fighting against my mental principle: Or, KJV: warring against the law of my mind; MON: my will; GDS: the law of my reason; KNX: wages war against the disposition of my conscience. (James 4:1) This internal struggle has been described and debated by philosophers and theologians for thousands of years including Plato, Buddha, and Freud.

399	Leading me as a captive to the principle of the sin: Or, GDS: makes me a prisoner. Despite the most honest intentions the rule of sin dominates humankind. (John 8:34)

RO7:24 I am a pitiful human! 400 Who will rescue me from this dying body? 401

400

I am a pitiful human: That is, “a wretch like me.” Or, KJV: o wretched man; KNX: pitiable creature; PME: it is an agonizing situation; KIT: callous-bearing. The state of the human race. Paul, as a justified Christian, speaks not so much of himself, but corporate humanity, including the Jews. Humility is the beginning of coping with sin, and it starts by recognizing this sinful state.

401	Who will rescue me from this dying body: Or, KJV: who shall deliver me from the body of this death; GDS: who can save me from this doomed body. See the notes on Romans 6:6 and Romans 8:10. All humanity needs to be rescued. Compare Psalm 49:7-12.

RO7:25 O, thanks to The God by means of Jesus Christ our Master! 402 So, finally, though my flesh is [subject to] the principle of sin, 403 in my mind I truly am a slave to the Law of The God. 404

402	Thanks to The God by means of Jesus Christ our Master: The answer for humanity’s condition rests in God’s purpose through His Son. (John 3:16; see notes on 1 John 2:2; Acts 17:31)

403	Though my flesh is [subject to] the principle of sin: Or, GDS: physically to the law of sin; KNX: my natural powers are at the disposition of sin; NEB: in my unspiritual nature, a slave to the law of sin. Compare Galatians 5:17. The principle of sin dominates humanity.

404

In my mind I truly am a slave to the Law of The God: That is, divine principles. Or, WMS: in my higher nature; GDS: mentally I am a slave to God’s law; KNX: my conscience is at God’s disposition. Likely Paul still speaks as a corporate human being – for both Jews and non-Jews. Despite the horrors of evil men, the rule of law has been an ongoing feature of history. It is often this universal social law that finally punishes mass evildoers. Compare notes on Romans 2:12-15. [Note Paul’s statements about himself personally: (2 Corinthians 11:22; Philippians 3:5, 6)]

Summary of Chapter Seven

Paul will draw on the previous argument that the Christian disciple is now dead. He now addresses the place of the Law of Moses in these matters. He illustrates his main point in verse 4 with the example of a wife bound to her husband’s “law” as long as he lives. If her husband dies she is freed from his law.

Paul’s main point: Christians are dead to the Law and so are free to “marry” the One raised from the dead. He again contrasts life in the past under the Law with its excited passions to the new spiritual life.

Paul raises the question whether it is the Law that is sinful itself. His answer is that such would be impossible for he would even know sin if it were not for the Law. His example is the commandment on not coveting. He begins to speak as a corporate member of the Hebrews: he existed once without Law – as in the patriarchs. But when the Law came into existence it killed him by identifying sin. Despite this he concludes that the Law itself is holy, right, and good.

Paul concludes by discovering what principles are at work in humankind. Bad is always present when one wishes to do good. The inner human being wants God’s law, or the rule of law; but the principle of sin dominates conduct. In behalf of humankind, Paul asks who will rescue us? The mind wants God’s law while the flesh is ruled by the principle of sin.

Review Questions on Chapter Seven