Abstract
Chapter 7 of Romans has been the focus of a vigorous debate over whether Paul’s discourse is focused on the pre-Christ or the post-Christ experience. This discussion has not extended to the interpretation of 7.9-11, however. Scholars on both sides of the debate appeal to Gen. 2 and 3 to explain these verses. At the same time, despite the fact that the Genesis story takes place well before the giving of Torah, scholars understand the ‘commandment’ to which Paul refers in these verses as a commandment of Torah. This convoluted but common reading is here called into question and a new proposal advanced: the commandment to which Paul refers in Rom 7.9-12 is the commandment inherent to life in Christ.
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