What a wretched man I am!This phrase captures the Apostle Paul's deep sense of personal struggle and frustration with sin. It reflects the inner conflict between the desire to do good and the reality of human weakness. This sentiment is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as
Psalm 51, where David expresses his own awareness of sinfulness. The term "wretched" indicates a profound sense of misery and helplessness, highlighting the human condition apart from divine intervention. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of the struggle against sin, as seen in the Old Testament law, which reveals sin but cannot save from it.
Who will rescue me
This question points to the need for a deliverer, someone who can save from the power of sin. In the broader context of Romans, Paul is building up to the revelation of Jesus Christ as the ultimate rescuer. The concept of rescue is central to the biblical narrative, with God repeatedly delivering His people, such as the Israelites from Egypt. This anticipates the New Testament fulfillment in Christ, who is seen as the ultimate Savior. The question implies that human effort is insufficient for salvation, pointing to the necessity of divine intervention.
from this body of death?
The "body of death" refers to the physical and spiritual consequences of sin. In Jewish thought, the body was often seen as the seat of sin, and death was the ultimate penalty for sin, as outlined inGenesis 3. This phrase underscores the mortality and corruption inherent in human nature due to the Fall. Theologically, it connects to the concept of original sin and the need for redemption. The imagery of death here is stark, emphasizing the seriousness of sin's consequences. This sets the stage for the hope of resurrection and new life in Christ, as elaborated inRomans 8, where Paul speaks of life through the Spirit.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul is addressing the struggle between the sinful nature and the desire to follow God's law. He is speaking from personal experience and theological insight.
2.
The Roman ChurchThe recipients of the letter, the early Christian community in Rome, who were dealing with issues of law, grace, and the struggle with sin.
3.
The Struggle with SinThis is the internal conflict that Paul describes, which every believer faces—the tension between the desire to do good and the reality of sin.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Human SinfulnessPaul’s cry of despair highlights the universal human condition of sinfulness. Recognizing our own wretchedness is the first step toward seeking God’s grace.
The Need for a SaviorThe rhetorical question, "Who will rescue me?" points directly to the need for Jesus Christ as our Savior. It is a reminder that self-effort is insufficient for salvation.
The Hope of DeliveranceWhile the verse expresses despair, it also sets the stage for the hope found in Christ. Believers can find comfort in knowing that deliverance is available through Jesus.
The Ongoing Battle with SinEven as believers, we continue to struggle with sin. This passage encourages us to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance in overcoming our sinful nature.
Living in the TensionUnderstanding that the Christian life involves living in the tension between the "already" of salvation and the "not yet" of complete sanctification can help us navigate our spiritual journey with patience and perseverance.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Romans 7:24?
2.How does Romans 7:24 highlight the struggle between flesh and spirit in believers?
3.What does "wretched man that I am" reveal about Paul's view of sin?
4.How can Romans 7:24 deepen our understanding of human nature's need for Christ?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ?
6.How can acknowledging our "body of death" lead to spiritual growth and reliance?
7.What does "Who will rescue me from this body of death?" imply about human nature?
8.How does Romans 7:24 relate to the concept of original sin?
9.Why does Paul describe himself as a "wretched man" in Romans 7:24?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 7?
11.What is the central conflict in The Enemy Within?
12.What is the escape from temptation?
13.What is Celebrate Recovery's purpose and function?
14.What does Genesis 4:7 mean about sin's presence?What Does Romans 7:24 Mean
What a wretched man I am!• Paul has just described an inner tug-of-war where he longs to obey God yet finds himself doing the very things he hates (Romans 7:15-23).
• His cry echoes Isaiah’s “Woe to me, for I am ruined” (Isaiah 6:5) and David’s “For I know my transgressions” (Psalm 51:3).
• “Wretched” is not exaggerated self-loathing; it is clear-eyed honesty about sin’s grip, confirmed earlier: “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10).
• The believer who takes Scripture seriously refuses to excuse the flesh. Admitting our misery under sin is the doorway to grace (Luke 18:13-14).
Who will rescue me• Notice the shift from “what can I do?” to “who will rescue me?”—the gospel moves us from self-help to Savior-help.
•Romans 3:24 already answered: “and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
• The cry is personal: rescue “me,” not merely improve me.Acts 4:12 declares, “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
• Our deliverance is a Person, not a program: “When we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6).
from this body of death?• Paul is pointing to the sinful nature that clings to our mortal bodies (Romans 6:6). While our spirits are regenerated, we still await full redemption.
•Romans 8:23 explains, “We ourselves groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”
• This phrasing may recall ancient practices where a corpse was chained to a prisoner—graphic imagery for indwelling sin.
• Final freedom comes when the perishable puts on the imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:54-57) and Christ “will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21).
summaryRomans 7:24 captures the believer’s honest lament over ongoing sin, a plea that turns from self-effort to the only adequate Deliverer. It confesses the misery of the fallen self, looks outward to Christ for rescue, and longs for the day when even our flesh will be fully redeemed. Until then, this verse keeps us humble, dependent, and hopeful.
(24) So this intestine struggle goes on unceasingly and reaches no decision, till at last the unhappy man cries out, almost in despair, "Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Who, that is, will help me to overcome these fleshly desires, gendered by a corrupt human nature, which are dragging me down to imminent destruction? The body is the cause of sin, and therefore of death. If only it could be released from that, the distracted soul would be at rest and free.
The body of this death.--Thu body (the slave of sin and therefore the abode)of death. The words are a cry for deliverance from the whole of this mortal nature, in which carnal appetite and sin and death are inextricably mingled. To complete this deliverance the triple resurrection--ethical, spiritual, and physical--is needed.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
[What a] wretchedΤαλαίπωρος(Talaipōros)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5005:Wretched, afflicted, miserable. From the base of talanton and a derivative of the base of peira; enduring trial, i.e. Miserable.manἄνθρωπος(anthrōpos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.I am!ἐγὼ(egō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.Whoτίς(tis)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.will rescueῥύσεται(rhysetai)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4506:To rescue, deliver (from danger or destruction).meμε(me)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.fromἐκ(ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.thisτούτου(toutou)Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.bodyσώματος(sōmatos)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4983:Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.of death?θανάτου(thanatou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2288:Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.
Links
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NT Letters: Romans 7:24 What a wretched man I am! (Rom. Ro) 
