Introduction to Romans 7:1–25: released from the law by a death, and the holy law used by sin

Says Paul tells those who know the law that "the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives" (7:1, BSB), and that believers "also died to the law through the body of Christ" (7:4, BSB). He then asks two questions and refuses each: "Is the law sin? Certainly not!" (7:7, BSB), and "Did that which is good, then, become death to me? Certainly not!" (7:13, BSB).

Implies The chapter takes up "not under law" (6:14–15) and the law that increased the trespass (5:20): believers are released from the law, yet the law is not sin, and the problem is sin using it (note.exegetical.Rom.7.7-Rom.7.25.law-holy-sin-deceives; note.exegetical.Rom.6.12-Rom.6.15.not-under-law; note.exegetical.Rom.5.18-Rom.5.21.one-act-of-righteousness).

Structure. 7:1–6: died to the law. 7:7–13: sin and the commandment. 7:14–25: the divided "I". Two doctrinal notes follow: who the "I" is (7:7–25), and the holy law used by sin (7:7–25).

Background. The historical notes treat Roman and Jewish marriage law (note.historical.Rom.7.1-Rom.7.25.marriage-law) and how the "I" has been read (note.historical.Rom.7.1-Rom.7.25.reception-7-14-25). The Hebrew note treats the quotation in 7:7 and Gen 3:13 (note.language.Rom.7.7.exod-20-17-deut-5-21).