The Context of Romans 7:1-3

The believer’s relationship with the law and Christ.

Introduction

Romans 7:1–3 is a passage that has frequently been referenced in discussions related to marriage, divorce, and remarriage. While the traditional interpretation suggests a focus on marital issues and adultery, it is essential to delve deeper into the broader context of the Book of Romans.

When we consider the overarching themes of Romans, it becomes apparent that Romans 7:1–3 primarily serves as a vehicle for conveying Paul’s message about the believer’s relationship to the law and their identification with Christ. This work will explore the contextual emphasis within Romans 7:1-3, highlighting that it may not primarily serve well to address divorce and remarriage topics due to its clear omission of the divorce factor, which has always been a real option in discussions about these subjects in both the Old and New Testament.

I. The Traditional Interpretation: A Focus on Marriage and Adultery

A. The Traditional Reading:

The traditional interpretation of Romans 7:1-3 centers on a woman who, while her husband is alive, becomes an adulteress if she lives with another man because, by law, she remains bound to her living husband. According to this view, the passage primarily addresses marital issues and the consequences of adultery. However, the purpose of this text is not to focus on the issues of divorce and remarriage.

B. The Missing Element: Divorce:

One striking feature of this traditional interpretation is the omission of the option of divorce from the equation. It focuses primarily on adultery while neglecting the essential consideration of the possibility of divorce, which is a social reality accepted in both the Old and New Testaments, within certain requirements, of course.

II. Examining Romans in Its Broader Context

A. Romans: A Comprehensive Theological Treatise:

The Book of Romans is one of the most significant theological works in the New Testament. It serves as a comprehensive treatise on various theological topics, including justification by faith, the righteousness of God, and the believer’s relationship to the law. The reason why the analogy in Romans 7:1–3 does not consider the issue of divorce is that it is not the topic being talked about. It’s talking about the believer’s bound relationship to the law. It’s not talking about the issue of repentant divorced and remarried people. Repentance and forgiveness, which are core biblical doctrines, are not included in the equation.

B. The Thematic Emphasis: Law and Grace:

A closer examination of Romans reveals that the primary theme is the contrast between law and grace. Paul explores the believer’s transition from living bound under the law, which brings condemnation as specified in Romans 7:1-3, to living under grace through faith in Christ as specified in Romans 4:4–8, which brings righteousness and reconciliation with God.

III. Romans 7:1-3 in Context: The Believer’s Relationship to the Law

A. The Immediate Context: Romans 7:1-3:

As explained, in the immediate context of Romans 7:1–3, Paul employs the analogy of marriage to illustrate the believer’s relationship to the law. He likens the law to a husband and the believer to a wife. No other consideration is mentioned here. It’s not necessary.

B. The Purpose of the Analogy:

Paul’s intention in Romans 7:1–3 is not to provide comprehensive guidance on divorce and remarriage but to underscore the believer’s transition from being bound to the law to being united with Christ. The passage serves as an allegorical illustration of the believer’s liberation from the law through Christ’s death and resurrection.

IV. The Omission of Divorce: A Significant Oversight

A. The Absence of Divorce Terminology:

One crucial aspect of Romans 7:1–3 is the complete absence of any reference to divorce terminology. In a discussion ostensibly related to marital issues, it is striking that Paul does not mention divorce or any legal process to dissolve a marriage. A process that was always a legal and social option in the Old and New Testaments.

B. An Incomplete Interpretation:

The omission of divorce terminology makes it challenging to argue that Romans 7:1–3 provides a comprehensive treatment of divorce and remarriage topics, as the rigid interpretation of the subject wants to make it seem. The passage does not address the legal and social aspects of divorce, which are vital to understanding these issues.

V. Conclusion: Romans 7:1-3 in Its Theological Context

A. A Focused Theological Message:

The primary focus of Romans 7:1–3 is to convey a theological message about the believer’s relationship to the law and their identification with Christ. Paul uses the analogy of marriage to illustrate this transition, emphasizing the liberation of believers from the law’s condemnation through faith in Christ.

B. Limited Application to Divorce and Remarriage:

While Romans 7:1–3 may touch on marital themes, its omission of divorce terminology and legal processes suggests that it may not primarily address divorce and remarriage topics. Instead, it highlights the broader theological context of law and grace.

C. The Importance of Comprehensive Interpretation:

To fully grasp the biblical teachings on divorce and remarriage, it is crucial to consider passages that explicitly address these topics, such as those found in the Gospels and Corinthians. A comprehensive interpretation requires examining various biblical passages in their historical, cultural, and theological contexts.

In conclusion, Romans 7:1–3 serves as an allegorical illustration within the broader theological context of Romans, emphasizing the believer’s relationship with the law and their identification with Christ. While it may touch on marital themes, its omission of divorce terminology underscores the need to approach divorce and remarriage topics by considering passages explicitly dedicated to these issues. A comprehensive understanding of biblical teachings and their theological emphasis requires a careful and holistic examination of relevant passages so that we can minister to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.