I think I understand what Paul is saying but to what time frame does
this apply? Is he talking about his identification with Adam in Eden?
Is he talking about his pre-christian experience (perhaps childhood
innocence followed by adult responsibility)? Is he talking about his
Christian experience (initially alive without the law but then taking
the yoke of bondage upon himself again)? Perhaps he is talking about
any and all time frames - perhaps in various senses what he says in
Romans 7:9 applies to all men in Adam, all as they come to a
knowledge of the law, and to believers who take upon them the yoke of
the law?
Unfortunately, my skills and resources for understanding the fine
points of language are less than some of you all. Do any of you have
linguistic insights that might make what Paul is saying clearer?
.
The use of ANEZHSEN here is particular problem for me. According to
the limited sources I have at hand, its' meaning is "revived" or
"made alive again". Yet considering what Pauls says here in light of
Romans 5 and other scriptures strongly suggests that he is refering
(at least in part) to his identification with Adam in Eden. But how
could original sin be said to be a revival?