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The Epistle to the Romans.
#34. Romans 5: 12 - 8: 39.
Key-words: The members.
pp. 11 - 14
In previous articles of this series we were much helped by observing the manner of the
distribution of the word "body" in this section of the epistle. We are now to consider a
closely related key-word, "the members". Examination shows that melos, "member",
occurs in the section seven times. The occurrences are as follows:--
"Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin: but yield
yourselves to God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as
instruments of righteousness to God" (Rom. 6: 13).
"For as ye have yielded your members slaves to uncleanness and to iniquity unto
iniquity, even so now yield your members slaves to righteousness unto sanctification"
(Rom. 6: 19).
"For when we were in the flesh, the passions of sins which were by the law, did work
in our members to bring forth fruit unto death" (Rom. 7: 5).
"But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and
bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my members" (Rom. 7: 23).
and they are grouped as follows:--
A1 | 6: 13, 19. Yielding.
a1 | Negative. Instruments of unrighteousness.--To sin.
b1 | Positive. Instruments of righteousness.--To God.
a2 | As slaves to uncleanness and iniquity.--Unto iniquity.
b2 | So slaves to righteousness.--Unto sanctification.
A2 | 7: 5. Working. Passions of sins, work.--fruit to death.
A3 | 7: 23. Warring.
a3 | Law of mind.--War.
b3 | Law of sin.--Captive.
In the description of the relation of the members of the body to the great theme of sin
and death, and righteousness and life, the figures used are changed from "instruments" to
"slaves", from "slaves" to "fruit", from "fruit" to "war".
Once again, we attempt nothing in the way of exposition, except to point out the
connections that are near the surface, and indicate the trend of the teaching. Although the
occurrence of the word "member" is limited to seven times, examination of the context of
each reference leads to the discernment of four parts, 7: 5 forming but one part of an
argument started in verse 4, where the words "fruit to God" contrast with "fruit to death".
Fro clearness sake we will set out these four pairs so that examination of them shall be
facilitated.