Who is the “I” in Romans 7?

A Brief review

Abstract

 This article aims to give a brief notion about the main interpretations suggested for the “I” of Romans 7.7-25. The personification of Israel’s history: it is stated that Paul’s goal was to portray the condition of the people of Israel on the occasion of receiving the Law at Sinai and its consequences. The Path of the Christian: the interpretation adopted by reformed scholars mainly, divides the text into two parts acknowledging the past wicked and the present converted of a regenerated. Biography of Paul: explains the “I” as if Paul was speaking of his own experience. Reference to the Fall of Adam: the “I” is understood in the edenic environment on the temptation of first man. The Theological “I” of Paul: the apostle was trying to resolve a theological dilemma in that he was. The Theory of Lloyd-Jones: Paul treats of someone who is in process of conversion. The Unregenerate Man: interpretation espoused and affirmed as preferable theologically and exegetically. It understands that the apostle is leading his Christian audience to assume, for didactic purposes, the condition of someone who wants to fulfill the law unassisted of the Holy Spirit, for it realizes the tragedy of such condition.