ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Romans 7

Rom. 7:1–3 In this entire chapter, law refers to the Mosaic law given at Mount Sinai. Those who know the law includes both Jews and Gentiles who are familiar with the OT. Verse 1 introduces the principle that the law applies only to living people. In vv. 2–3, Paul applies that principle to marriage.

Rom. 7:4 Whereas the husband dies in the illustration in vv. 2–3, here believers die to the law through the death of Christ. The comparison does not match perfectly, but the application is clear.

Rom. 7:5 Flesh here stands for the old “Adam”—the unbelieving former life of those who now believe. The law led to spiritual and physical death (see 6:23) because rebellious people broke it and suffered the consequences.

Rom. 7:6 But now represents the new era of redemptive history. Christians now enjoy new life in the Spirit.

Rom. 7:7–25 The claim that the Mosaic law produced sin and death raises the question, Is the law itself sinful? Paul explains that the law itself is good and that the fault lies with sin. The “I” in these verses seems to be Paul himself (see note on vv. 13–25).

Rom. 7:7 The law defines sin. People ignore God’s commands in order to indulge their independence. This principle is illustrated from the tenth commandment (Ex. 20:17).

Rom. 7:8 The prohibition against coveting increased the desire for what was forbidden. Without such prohibitions, sin lies dead—it is still present, but not in a powerful way.

Rom. 7:13–25 Even if the law is not sin (vv. 7–12), is the good law responsible for death? Paul argues that the fault lies with sin, not with the law. Through the law, sin is revealed in all its horror, while the law is shown to be good. There has been much debate as to whether Paul is describing believers or unbelievers. Although good arguments are given by both sides, the most widely held view is that Paul is referring to believers. Advocates of both positions agree that Christians struggle with sin their whole lives (see Gal. 5:17; 1 John 1:8–9). They also agree that Christians can and should grow in sanctification throughout their lives by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:2, 4, 9, 13–14). Those who think Paul is describing believers usually see this passage as describing both Paul’s own experience and the experience of Christians generally. This view is that Christians are free from the condemnation of the law, but sin continues to dwell within them. They should understand how far they fall short of God’s absolute standard of righteousness. Thus Paul cries out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (7:24). The answer follows immediately: the one who has delivered Christians once for all (see 4:2–25; 5:2; 9) and who will deliver them day by day is “Jesus Christ our Lord!” (7:25). This reflects the ongoing tension between the “already” aspect of salvation (believers have been saved) and the “not yet” aspect (believers will be saved at the return of Christ).

Rom. 7:17 Paul emphasizes the power of sin.

Rom. 7:21–23 The meaning of “law” in these verses has been debated. Some think every use of the word refers to the Mosaic law. Most argue that in vv. 21 and 23 the term means “principle.” All agree that the Mosaic law is in view in v. 22. The Greek word used here can have either meaning.

Rom. 7:24–25 Who will deliver me? The living presence of Jesus Christ is the answer to the problem of sin.