Romans 7 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

Becoming like Christ in this life (6:1–8:39)
- Baptism represents union with Christ’s death (6:1–14)
- Christians are now slaves of righteousness (6:15–23)
- Christians have been freed from the law (7:1–6)
- The law is not sinful (7:7–12)
- Christians still struggle with indwelling sin (7:13–25)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

“The Law”

Throughout most of this chapter Paul uses the singular noun “the law” to refer to the group of laws that God gave Israel through Moses. However, in 7:21–25 Paul uses the word “law” in several different ways. Each of these different uses will be addressed in the notes. (See: lawofmoses)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Marriage

Scripture commonly uses marriage as a metaphor. Here Paul uses it to describe how the church relates to the law of Moses and now to Christ. (See: figs-metaphor)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Inclusive language

In this chapter the pronouns “we”, “us”, and “our” refer inclusively to all Jewish believers in Christ. Paul calls these people “brothers” in 7:1 and 7:4. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: figs-exclusive)