Expert: Tom Schott - 4/14/2004

Question
Is this a correct interpretation of Romans 7:2?
Is it really trying to prove a point about marriage or is just saying that just like a woman can't have two husbands at once, we can't be faithful to the old mosaic law and the new covenant established by Christ at the same time?

Answer
Nicole,

 I normally don't get involved in Scripture interpretation, because there is often a great deal of latitude for discovering "the meaning" of any given passage. The one you cite is fairly straight forward, however. Let me quote to the New American Bible Study edition, concerning the first six verses of Romans, Chap 7: "Paul reflects on the fact that Christians have a different understanding of the law because of their faith in Christ. Law binds the living, not the dead, as exemplified in marriage, which binds in life but is dossolved through death." So, you're correct that the passage has to be seen in context of a statement Paul is making about the Mosaic law, i.e., it is not binding on Christians.

Hope this helps.

Deacon Tom