Bible Commentaries

Therefore now (αρα νυν). Two particles. Points back to the triumphant note in Romans 7:25 after the preceding despair. No condemnation (ουδεν κατακριμα). As sinners we deserved condemnation in our unregenerate state in spite of the struggle. But God offers pardon "to those in Christ Jesus (τοις εν Χριστω Ιησου). This is Paul's Gospel. The fire has burned on and around the Cross of Christ. There and there alone is safety. Those in Christ Jesus can lead the consecrated, the crucified, the baptized life.

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The law of the Spirit of life (ο νομος του πνευματος της ζωης). The principle or authority exercised by the Holy Spirit which bestows life and which rests "in Christ Jesus." Made me free (ηλευθερωσεν με). First aorist active indicative of the old verb ελευθεροω for which see Galatians 5:1. Aleph B have σε (thee) instead of με. It matters little. We are pardoned, we are free from the old law of sin and death (Romans 7:7-24), we are able by the help of the Holy Spirit to live the new life in Christ.

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That the law could not do (το αδυνατον του νομου). Literally, "the impossibility of the law" as shown in Romans 7:7-24, either nominative absolute or accusative of general reference. No syntactical connection with the rest of the sentence. In that (εν ω). "Wherein." It was weak (ησθενε). Imperfect active, continued weak as already shown. In the likeness of sinful flesh (εν ομοιωματ σαρκος αμαρτιας). For "likeness" see Philippians 2:7, a real man, but more than man for God's "own Son." Two genitives "of flesh of sin" (marked by sin), that is the flesh of man is, but not the flesh of Jesus. And for sin (κα περ αμαρτιας). Condensed phrase, God sent his Son also concerning sin (our sin). Condemned sin in the flesh (κατεκρινε την αμαρτιαν εν τη σαρκ). First aorist active indicative of κατακρινω. He condemned the sin of men and the condemnation took place in the flesh of Jesus. If the article την had been repeated before εν τη σαρκ Paul would have affirmed sin in the flesh of Jesus, but he carefully avoided that (Robertson, Grammar, p. 784).

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The ordinance of the law (το δικαιωμα του νομου). "The requirement of the law." Might be fulfilled (ινα πλερωθη). Purpose of the death of Christ by ινα and first aorist passive subjunctive of πληροω. Christ met it all in our stead (Romans 3:21-26). Not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (μη κατα σαρκα αλλα κατα πνευμα). The two laws of life (κατα σαρκα in Romans 7:7-24, κατα πνευμα Romans 8:1-11). Most likely the Holy Spirit or else the renewed spirit of man.

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Do mind (φρονουσιν). Present active indicative of φρονεω, to think, to put the mind (φρην) on. See Matthew 16:23; Romans 12:16. For the contrast between σαρξ and πνευμα, see Galatians 5:16-24.

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The mind (το φρονημα). The bent or will of the flesh is death as shown in Romans 7:7-24. Life (ζωη). In contrast with "death." Peace (ειρηνη). As seen in Romans 5:1-5.

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Is not subject (ουχ υποτασσετα). Present passive indicative of υποτασσω, late verb, military term for subjection to orders. Present tense here means continued insubordination. Neither indeed can it be (ουδε γαρ δυνατα). "For it is not even able to do otherwise." This helpless state of the unregenerate man Paul has shown above apart from Christ. Hope lies in Christ (Romans 7:25) and the Spirit of life (Romans 8:2).

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Cannot please God (θεω αρεσα ου δυναντα). Because of the handicap of the lower self in bondage to sin. This does not mean that the sinner has no responsibility and cannot be saved. He is responsible and can be saved by the change of heart through the Holy Spirit.

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