Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary (4 vols)

Romans 7:4

Romans 7:4. Accordingly; lit, ‘so that.' This introduces the application of the figure in Romans 7:2-3.

Ye also, as in the case of the widow.

Were made dead to the law. The idea is not of being dead, but of being put to death, at some single past time, namely, at justification. ‘The expression is chosen, not merely because Christ's death was a violent one, but also because it describes the death of Christians to the law as a death incurred by virtue of the administration of the law' (Lange); comp. Galatians 2:19.

Through the body of Christ. This refers to the death of Christ, either (1) as the ground of justification, or (2) as involving our fellowship in His death. The latter “is preferable; it implies the former, and suits the tenor of the whole passage.

That, i.e. in order that, ye should be married to another, one of a different kind. The purpose of the death to the law was union to Christ; the figure of a marriage is still present, and quite appropriate. ‘The exalted Christ is the husband of His Church that has become independent of the law by dying with Him' (Meyer).

Was raised from the dead. The idea of a new ethical life is constantly joined by the Apostle to the fact of the resurrection. His own experience gave emphasis to this.

Fruit to God, i.e., for His glory, since Christ is the Husband.

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Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary (4 vols)

Romans 7:4

Old Testament

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