Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 26:72 (Spring 2022)
Article: A Defense Of The “Mature Autobiographical Believer” Interpretation Of The “Wretched Man” In Romans 7:24
Author: Matthew Wong

JODT 26:72 (Spring 2022) p. 35

A Defense Of The “Mature Autobiographical Believer” Interpretation Of The “Wretched Man” In Romans 7:24

Matthew Wong

* Matthew Wong, M.A., associate tutor, University of Chester via King’s Evangelical Divinity School, Broadstairs Kent, United Kingdom

Arguments advanced for the identification of the “wretched man” (v. 24)1 have enthralled, perplexed, and polarised theologians throughout the ages. According to Dockery, verses 7–25 provide a unique and “penetrating description of man’s plight and contradiction,” appearing “nowhere else in the epistles, and nowhere else in ancient literature, Greek or Jewish.”2 As a number of interpretations have been historically advanced and critiqued, this article seeks to outline the case for the “autobiographical mature believer” approach, prior to introducing and engaging with various other interpretations of the egō in Romans 7:14–15. Research concludes that the “autobiographical mature believer” approach is the strongest option, both exegetically and theologically. Throughout, this article seeks to establish and affirm a biblical understanding of the nature of indwelling sin in the lives of believers as the key to correctly identifying the “wretched man.”

Framing The Debate

No argument advanced for the identification of the “wretched man” is problem free; the strengths of the “mature believer” interpretation become the weaknesses of the “unbeliever” interpretation and vice versa. How, for example, can an unbeliever: express remorse at doing the very thing he hates (v. 15), confess that the Law is good (v. 16), acknowledge that the willing to do good is present within him . . . “the one who wants to do good” (vv. 18, 21), “joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man” (v. 22),

JODT 26:72 (Spring 2022) p. 36

cry “wretched man that I am!” (v. 24), and serve “the law of God” (v. 25)? Similarly, how can a believer: be “sold into bondage to sin” (v. 14), do what he does not understand (v. 15), practice the ev...