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Romans 7 General Notes
Structure and formatting
"Or do you not know"
Paul uses this phrase to discuss a new topic and connects what follows with the previous teaching.
Special concepts in this chapter
"We have been released from the law"
Paul explains that the law of Moses is no longer in effect. While this is true, the timeless principles behind the law reflect the character of God. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Marriage
Scripture commonly uses marriage as a metaphor. Here Paul uses it to describe how the church relates to the law of Moses and now to Christ. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Flesh
This is a complex issue. "Flesh" is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that our physical bodies are sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that as long as Christians are alive ("in the flesh"), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh and rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin)