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For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold under sin.

Verse Takeaways

1

A Believer's Struggle

A majority of commentators, including Barnes, Calvin, and Spurgeon, argue that Paul is describing the ongoing struggle of a Christian, not his life before conversion. They point to the shift to the present tense ('I am') and the description of an internal conflict (hating sin, delighting in God's law) that is characteristic of a believer's experience. This means the feeling of being 'carnal' and battling sin is a normal part of the Christian life.

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Book Overview

Romans

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Commentaries

11

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Romans 7:14

18th Century

Theologian

Verses 14-25: The remainder of this chapter has been the subject of no small degree of controversy. The question has been whether it describes the …

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On Romans 7:14

Spiritual (πνευματικος). Spirit-caused and spirit-given and like the Holy Spirit. See 1 Corinthians 10:3f.

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Romans 7:14

19th Century

Bishop

For we know.—There is no need to argue the question. We Christians all know that the Law is spiritual. It is divinely giv…

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Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On Romans 7:13–14

19th Century

Preacher

But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. For we…

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On Romans 7:14

At the outset Paul wants it understood that he is not depreciating the law, for it is “spiritual” (GK 4461)—that is, emanating from God (vv.22, 25)…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On Romans 7:14

16th Century

Theologian

For we know that the law, etc. He now begins more closely to compare the law with what man is, so that it may be more clearly und…

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John Gill

John Gill

On Romans 7:14

17th Century

Pastor

For we know that the law is spiritual
We who have a spiritual understanding of the law, who have been led into the t…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Romans 7:14–17

17th Century

Minister

Compared with the holy rule of conduct in the law of God, the apostle found himself so very far short of perfection that he seemed to be carnal, li…