Romans 7:14-20

Disciples’ Literal New Testament

Footnotes

1. Romans 7:14 The purpose of v14-25 is to prove that sin is responsible for death, not the Law. Paul uses himself as an example, and scholars debate whether he has in view his experience as a Pharisee or a Christian (each view giving a different sense to ‘Law’ and ‘death’). What Paul says in these verses is true of anyone trying to live under law.
2. Romans 7:14 That is, carnal, fleshly; or, human, of Adam’s race.
3. Romans 7:15 Or, ‘acknowledge’ as representing his true desires.
4. Romans 7:15 For example, this coveting, v 7.
5. Romans 7:16 Or concurring-with.
6. Romans 7:17 When God says not to do it, Paul agrees and does not want to do it, but sin produces it in him anyway. Thus it is sin, not God’s Law, that causes his death. The sin in him is against him and against God! How extremely sinful it truly is! This proves v 14b; Paul is under the dominion of sin.
7. Romans 7:20 Good is not in him producing good, but sin is in him producing sin, and overcoming his inner desire to obey God’s good Law. This proves v 18.