Romans 7:23

A different law (eteron nomon). For the distinction between etero and allo, see Galatians 1:6 . Warring against (antistrateuomenon). Rare verb (Xenophon) to carry on a campaign against. Only here in N.T. The law of my mind (twi nomwi tou noo). The reflective intelligence Paul means by noo, "the inward man" of verse Galatians 22 . It is this higher self that agrees that the law of God is good ( Galatians 12 16 22 ). Bringing me into captivity (aicmalwtizonta). See on this late and vivid verb for capture and slavery Luke 21:24 ; 2 Corinthians 10:5 . Surely it is a tragic picture drawn by Paul with this outcome, "sold under sin" ( 2 Corinthians 14 ), "captivity to the law of sin" ( 2 Corinthians 23 ). The ancient writers (Plato, Ovid, Seneca, Epictetus) describe the same dual struggle in man between his conscience and his deeds.