ACC ~ Romans 7 v1

THE LAW WAS SPIRITUAL. ORIGEN: This is similar to what Paul says later on [in verse 14]: “We know that the law is spiritual.” It was not only Paul who knew that the law was spiritual but these people too, who had been taught by it and who were spiritual themselves. … Before the coming of Christ there were many Jews who grew in spiritual knowledge and saw God’s glory, e.g., Isaiah, of whom John testifies when he says: “Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke of him.” COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS.

AN EXAMPLE FROM HUMAN LAW. AMBROSIASTER: In order to strengthen their minds in the divine teaching, Paul uses an example drawn from human law, in order once again to argue for heavenly things on the basis of earthly ones, just as God also is known by the creation of the world. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

MOVING TO GRACE. PELAGIUS: Now Paul begins to point out problems with the law in order to encourage his readers to move over to grace without the fear which belongs to the law. PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON ROMANS.

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