Commentary on Romans 7:3

Romans 7:3 (ESV): "Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man, she is not an adulteress."

Introduction

Romans 7:3 discusses the implications of the law concerning marriage and fidelity, using the powerful metaphor of death to illustrate deeper spiritual truths about the believer's relationship with the law and with Christ. This verse serves as a transitional point in Paul's discourse about the law, grace, and Christian liberty.

Exegesis

Paul is addressing the struggles between the Jewish law and the believers’ new life in Christ. The context of this verse lies in a broader discussion of the believer's relationship to the law and sin. Paul uses the analogy of marriage to explain this complex relationship.

The Metaphor of Marriage

Matthew Henry observes that Paul uses the bond of marriage to depict the relationship between the law and the believer. Just as marriage binds individuals to one another, the law binds believers until something occurs that frees them from that obligation. “For as long as her husband lives, she is bound to him; but if he dies, she is free from that law,” he states, highlighting that the death of one’s spouse legally dissolves the marriage.

Implications of Death

The "death" in this analogy is twofold. Albert Barnes emphasizes that it represents both the death of the believer's old life under the law and, by extension, the believer's identification with Christ's own death. He notes that through faith, believers die to the law in the same way that a widow may marry again without being labeled an adulteress. This points to the freedom that the believer experiences in Christ, where the law no longer holds sway. "Life in Christ has freed us from the constraints of the law," Barnes states.

Adultery and Fidelity

This verse also brings forth the serious connotation of adultery, which Henry remarks signifies unfaithfulness. The heart of Paul's argument is that adherence to the law while claiming faith in Christ is analogous to spiritual adultery. In this light, he warns against the duality of attempting to be justified by the law after coming to faith. “Just as a woman is called an adulteress should she remain with another man while bound by marriage, so too is the believer who seeks to engage in the law while accepting the grace of Christ,” he notes.

Key Themes

• Freedom from the Law: This commentary addresses the fundamental transformation that occurs during conversion, offering a vivid portrayal of how the believer is liberated from the law’s demands through being united with Christ.
• The New Relationship: As suggested by Adam Clarke, there is a significant shift in allegiance from the law to the grace found in Jesus Christ. He stresses that this relationship is not one of license but of loving obedience facilitated by the Holy Spirit.
• Understanding Sin: The commentary invokes the understanding that while the law defines sin, it is the grace of Christ that provides the power to overcome it. By identifying with Christ’s death and resurrection, the believer emerges anew.

Applications

For pastors and theologians, the implications of Romans 7:3 encourage a thorough examination of the balance between law and grace. Henry’s insights promote the idea that believers should recognize their freedom while living in a way that honors their relationship with Christ.

Moreover, for students and scholars, this verse beckons an investigation into the nuances of Pauline theology. It challenges readers to consider how they interpret the law’s role in their lives as Christians. The liberating truth is not merely for academic discussion but should be integrated into pastoral care and preaching.

Conclusion

Romans 7:3 intricately weaves together themes of fidelity, law, and grace. Through the metaphor of marriage, Paul deftly discusses the core of the Gospel, which is the freedom found in Christ. Both Matthew Henry and Albert Barnes’ interpretations invite a deeper understanding of both the seriousness of spiritual fidelity and the joy of being bound to Christ. In essence, this verse calls believers to embrace their new identity and the freedom that comes with it, urging them to live out their faith in a manner worthy of their calling.