What does Romans 7:11 mean?

Explanation

Romans 7:11 is a part of Paul's extended discussion about the law and sin in his letter to the Romans.

In this verse, Paul personifies sin as an actor that takes the opportunity provided by the commandment to deceive and kill.

It highlights the paradoxical nature of the law: law is good and reveals the will of God but it also becomes a tool that sin uses to exert its power over human beings.

Paul describes the commandment as something that was intended for life but which ends up serving death because of sin.

This deception refers to sin misleading humans into thinking that they can attain righteousness by the law, but instead, the law's demands only serve to highlight human incapacity and result in spiritual death.

Historical Context

Romans is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome, likely composed around A.D. 57.

At the time, the Roman church consisted of both Jewish and Gentile believers, who may have had differing views on the role of the Jewish Law.

Throughout Romans, Paul addresses the purpose of the law, the problem of sin, and the solution found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The historical tension between law and grace is evident as Paul tries to reconcile Jewish understanding of the law with the new covenant through Christ.

Theological Insights

The verse illustrates the concept of the law acting as a mirror, reflecting the sinful nature of humans which apart from God's grace is doomed to fail in obeying the law perfectly.

Also, it touches upon the doctrine of Original Sin, which asserts that sin has been present since the fall of Adam, and every person is thus born into sin.

From a Reform perspective, this verse underscores the total depravity of man and the need for divine grace. For Catholic theology, while agreeing on the prevalence of sin, there may be more emphasis on the cooperation between human will and divine grace.

Scholars with a New Perspective on Paul argue that when Paul speaks of the 'law,' he often refers to the identity markers of Judaism (like circumcision), rather than a moral code.

According to this view, Paul's argument is about the inability of the law to justify or include Gentiles into God's people.

Practical Applications

The verse serves as a reminder of the limitations of the law in providing salvation, emphasizing the need for faith in Jesus Christ.

In daily life, it can be a warning against legalism and trying to earn favor with God on the basis of good deeds.

It highlights the importance of reliance on God's grace rather than one's own moral achievements.

Cross-References

• Romans 3:20: "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."
• Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
• Romans 8:2: "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."
• 1 Corinthians 15:56: "The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law."

Language Study

• "Sin" (Greek: ἁμαρτία, hamartia): Often means missing the mark, it is used in terms of moral failure or transgression against divine law.
• "Occasion" (Greek: ἀφορμή, aphormē): Meaning a starting point or base of operations, indicating sin used the commandment as a base for its operation.
• "Deceived" (Greek: ἐξαπατάω, exapataō): Means to seduce wholly, or to beguile, indicating a complete and sinister deception.
• "Slew" (Greek: ἀποκτείνω, apokteinō): To kill or put to death, implying that the result was fatal.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparative religion, the use of law or rules that end up revealing the moral shortcomings of humans can be seen in other religious traditions as well.

For instance, in Buddhism, the concept of Dharma may reveal one's attachment and thus suffering, but it is through the Eightfold Path and not the Dharma itself that one achieves enlightenment.

In some ways, this parallels Paul's view that the law is not the means of salvation, but rather it highlights the need for a savior.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychological understandings of human behavior recognize the influence of internal and external rules on behavior.

While not directly related, the concept that strict regulations might lead to a heightened awareness of one's own failures can be related to how legalism in religious practice might highlight shortcomings, rather than encourage moral behavior, pointing to a dynamic similar to what Paul describes.

Commentaries

Commentators on Romans 7:11 offer various insights.

John Stott notes that the law's true purpose is to reveal sin and drive us to Christ.

Douglas Moo comments on the function of the law as eliciting sin, which although paradoxical, underscores the sinfulness of sin and the need for the Gospel.

N.T.

Wright, representing the New Perspective on Paul, might argue that the 'commandment' here is more about the ethnic identity markers of Judaism and not moral laws in general.

Each commentary provides a layer of understanding, examining Paul's complex theological argument about the relationship between the law and sin, and the ultimate provision of grace through Jesus Christ.