Charles Ellicott Commentary Romans 7:13

"Did then that which is good become death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might be shown to be sin, by working death to me through that which is good; --that through the commandment sin might become exceeding sinful." — Romans 7:13 (ASV)

Was then that which is good . . .?—Was it possible that the Law, holy and good as it was, could simply lead miserable men to death and ruin? No, it was not possible. It was not the Law that did this, but Sin—acting, it is true, through the instrumentality of the Law. All this, however, ultimately served to expose Sin as the monster it truly is.

Sin, that it might appear sin.—We must supply with this, was made death. Sin, no longer remaining covert and unrecognised, but coming out in its true colours, brought me under the penalty of death.

By the commandment.—If the Commandment served to expose the guilt of man, still more did it serve to expose and enhance the guilt of that evil principle by which man was led astray. Such is the deeper philosophy of the whole matter. This short-lived dominion was no triumph for Sin after all. The very law that Sin relied upon turned round upon it and condemned it.