This was a really good book. A perspective I’d not considered when reading Romans 7. It gave a fresh insight into the true meaning, as opposed to it being used out of context, mainly to justify sins people commit.

Romans 7, a pivotal chapter in the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Romans, has long been a subject of intense theological debate and diverse interpretations. Conquerors Not Captives delves into the complex relationship between the law, sin, and the believer's struggle with the flesh. Dodson and Motl have explored this passage from multiple angles, surveying a rich tapestry of interpretations.

One of the central debates revolves around the identity of the "I" in Romans 7. Is Paul describing his own experience, the universal experience of humanity, or the specific experience of a pre-Christian or a Christian person? Dodson and Motl go over some popular interpretations like:

Augustinian Interpretation: This view, which has been influential in Western Christianity, particularly through Augustine and later Martin Luther, posits that Paul is describing the ongoing struggle of a believer. According to this perspective, the "I" in Romans 7 represents Paul’s own struggle with sin, illustrating the internal conflict that persists even in the lives of those justified by faith.

Pre-Christian Experience: Some scholars, such as early church fathers like Origen, argue that Paul is recounting his experience under the law before his conversion to Christianity. This interpretation suggests that the "I" is an unregenerate person who, despite recognizing the goodness of the law, is powerless to fulfill it due to the pervasive power of sin.

Corporate Humanity/Israel: Another significant interpretation is that Paul is speaking not as an individual but as a representative of humanity or Israel in general. In this view, the "I" reflects the human condition under the law, highlighting the impotence of effort apart from divine grace.

As they detail Romans 7's exploration of the law and sin culminating in a cry for deliverance, answered in Romans 8 with the introduction of life in the Spirit they make a strong case that the Christian can have hope in their life.

In conclusion, Conquerors Not Captives contributes and clarifies the rich field for theological inquiry, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of sin, the function of the law, and the human experience of spiritual struggle.

This book is really mind-blowing. Thanks, Dodson and Mattie! I am used to with the view that Romans 7 never address Paulus personal struggle toward sin. I also agree that this passage addressing typical Christian battle against sin post converted. But, actually this brings a lot of problem in the church when member of the church still sin, they use this passage to justify his sin just like what Paul said, "I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing." They refer themselves as the wretched man of Romans 7 and it vecome justification for them to be impotent before sin and powerless to do good. Dodson and Mattie do a very good job to begin from history of interpretation, larger context and comprehensive exegesis of the passage itself. I recoomend you to read this book a lot..

Conquerors Not Captives is an in-depth look at Paul's wretch in Romans 7. He frames the two arguments: the "I" is Paul and the "I" is Paul playing a character clearly and concisely, offering evidence that Paul is using a character to illustrate a point to the Roman church. The main issue is whether or not we are controlled by our sin & the author offers a compelling case that Paul suggests a post-Spirit life does not identify to Paul's wretch where sin is an equal force to the Spirit and that we can pursue full holiness in our already but not yet period of faith. I found that the most educational part of this book was how the author out his in-depth reading of a passage as a theologian on the page. It was extremely helpful especially as a layperson to see the tools he used, research he did, the multiple ecclesial points of view, and his own interpretation of the grammar and translational elements of the greek text. I would have liked some concise points of view, as someone not educational trained as a theologian, on why he chose certain reference points or even what part of the church history he was referencing to make his points but he did a fantastic job explaining the scripture chosen and even how it is backed up by more of Paul's canonical writing. Overall, recommend this book for anyone as they read through Paul's letters.

A very strong argument that we should reevaluate our interpretation of Romans 7 in light of Paul's other arguments, particularly in Romans 8. It's an important nuance that totally rewires our understanding of sin and freedom from it in the Christian life