Romans 7:1

Freedom from the domination of the law

In the section just completed, Paul urged the Romans, on the strength of their baptismal connection with Christ (6:3-23), to consider themselves dead to sin and free from its slavery. In chapter 7 he will speak of a similar type of liberation—this time, however, it is the Christian’s freedom from the law that is under discussion.

We have previously called attention to the fact that the Greek word usually translated as “law” (nomos) requires some special attention. The word allows a variety of meanings, and there often is a significant difference indicated by whether it has the definite article or not. When Paul here says, “I am speaking to men who know [nomos],” it’s without an article. Hence Paul is not referring to a specific law, but he is using the word in the sense of a general set of laws. Paul is giving his readers credit for knowing how the legal system works.

His progression of thought in this section is as follows: In verse 1 he states the legal principle he wants his readers to focus on; in verses 2 and 3 he gives an example illustrating that principle; and in verse 4 he then makes the connection to the spiritual truth he wishes to teach, namely, the Christian’s freedom from any legal requirements for salvation.

Do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to men who know the law—that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives?

The legal principle Paul sets forth is fairly simple and straightforward. A law—any law—has authority over a person only so long as that person is alive. The law obligates living people; it has no claim on the deceased. The latter are both literally and figuratively “dead to the law.” They take no orders; they make no response. The point Paul would have us notice is that death changes a person’s relationship to the law.