What does Romans 7:5 mean?

Explanation

Romans 7:5 addresses the human condition under the Law of Moses, a religious framework that, according to the Apostle Paul, highlighted sin without providing the power to overcome it.

He uses the phrase "when we were in the flesh" to reflect upon a time prior to having faith in Christ, a period when believers were living within and according to their natural human desires.

"The motions of sins" is another way of describing the various impulses and tendencies toward sinful behavior that are aroused or come to life by the prohibitions of the Law.

In this context, the "members" refer to the parts of the body, suggesting that sin was manifesting through physical actions.

The result of obeying the impulses of sin, he concludes, was "fruit unto death," which means producing actions and consequences that lead to spiritual death because of their inherent separation from God.

Historical Context

This particular verse comes from Paul's epistle to the Romans, written approximately in AD 57.

The recipients of the letter were the members of the early Christian Church in Rome, which included both Jews and Gentiles.

This period in history was marked by clear and often contentious distinctions between Jewish religious practice, centered around adherence to the Law of Moses, and the burgeoning Christian movement that stressed faith in Jesus Christ as the means of righteousness.

Many Jewish Christians struggled with the shift from law-based righteousness to righteousness by faith.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Romans 7:5 performs several functions. It illustrates the shortcomings of the Law in terms of sanctification; it cannot ultimately purify or empower individuals to conquer sin. It underscores the close relationship between the Law and sin, as the Law brings more awareness of sin.

Some perspectives may see this verse as a demonstration of total depravity, the concept that sin affects all aspects of a person's being, mind, will, and body.

Additionally, this verse sets the stage for the contrast with life in the Spirit, as described in Romans 8, highlighting the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to overcome sin.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Romans 7:5 may encourage believers to renounce their pre-Christian ways, acknowledging that living according to one's own desires leads to spiritual death.

It advocates a reliance on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit rather than a strict adherence to law for moral and spiritual change.

It also challenges modern Christians to introspect on how, even after accepting faith, one might still be living "in the flesh" and how that impacts one's relationship with God and community.

Cross-References

• Galatians 5:19-21: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness..."
• Romans 8:13: "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live."
• Romans 6:21: "What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death."
• Romans 7:24: "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"
• 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."

Language Study

• "Flesh" (Greek: σαρχί - sarki): Can imply human nature in general, particularly with an emphasis on its weakness and susceptibility to sin.
• "Motions" (Greek: παθήματα - pathēmata): Translates to "passions" or "emotions," implying the sufferings or feelings that lead to sin.
• "Work in our members" (Greek: κατεργάζετο - katergazeto): This phrase means to perform, accomplish, or produce, underscoring the idea of sin being active in the body.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Apostle Paul's discussions about the law and sin can be compared with contemporary religious and philosophical understandings.

For instance, in Hellenistic philosophy, particularly Stoicism, there was an emphasis on living in accordance with nature and reason, and overcoming passions.

Contrastingly, in Jewish tradition, adherence to the Law was believed to maintain covenantal relationship with God.

Paul introduces a novel concept, that the Law is insufficient without the transformative power of faith in Christ, which challenges the existing perspectives of both communities.

Scientific Perspectives

The connection between behavioral action ("work in our members") and its moral implications interacts interestingly with modern understandings of psychology and neuroscience.

Contemporary science explores how habits are formed and how behavior can be modified, often reinforcing the idea that repeated actions can have long-term effects on one's character and decision-making processes.

Paul's description of the "motions of sins" resonates with the idea that certain stimuli can trigger destructive behavior patterns, a concept echoed in the field of addiction studies.

Commentaries

Many Bible scholars and theologians have written commentaries on Romans 7:5, each presenting nuanced interpretations.

For instance, John Stott emphasizes the point that the Law stimulates sin rather than prevents it.

F.F.

Bruce discusses the role of the Law as making people conscious of sin and its associated guilt.

Douglas Moo points out the contrast Paul is making between the old age of the Law and the new age of the Spirit.

N.T.

Wright often highlights how the 'flesh' represents the sphere of the world where sin and death hold sway.

Each of these commentaries contributes to a multifaceted understanding of the verse's significance within both its original context and broader biblical theology.