Romans 7:23

Another. Gr. heteros, “another of a different kind.” Heteros not only distinguishes but often contrasts (see on Gal. 1:6, 7). This different “law” stands opposed to the law that the inward man approves. The “law of sin” (Rom. 7:23, 25) — the malign force of v. 21 (see comment there) — takes advantage of every fleshly impulse.

In my members. That is, in the organs and faculties of my body (see also Rom. 3:13–15; 7:5; 1 Cor. 6:15; 12:12, 18, 20).

Warring against. Gr. antistrateuomai, the only occurrence of this word in the NT. The form of the verb implies the carrying on of a military campaign. The law in the members is on a campaign against the law of the mind (see also Gal. 5:17; 1 Peter 2:11).

The law of my mind. By “mind” Paul means the contemplative intelligence, the “inward man” (v. 22). It is this higher self that agrees that the law of God is good (vs. 12, 16, 22). And the law of God revealed to and approved by the mind becomes the law of the mind. On the other hand, Paul sees another law working through the impulses of the body and desires of the flesh, the law “which is in my members,” “the law of sin” (see on v. 21).

Bringing me into captivity. Or, “making me a prisoner.” The word aichmalotizo occurs elsewhere in the NT only in Luke 21:24 and 2 Cor. 10:5. Paul has employed very strong expressions in this verse to describe the severity of the conflict with sin. He represents himself as engaged in a life-and-death struggle to escape from the captivating power of his evil inclinations.