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The crux interpretum of Rom 7,25b Occasioned by Hans Klein's Interpretation: Protestant and Orthodox Exegetical Traditions in Dialogue

Citation:

Karakolis, Christos. “The crux interpretum of Rom 7,25b Occasioned by Hans Klein's Interpretation: Protestant and Orthodox Exegetical Traditions in Dialogue”. Sacra Scripta 23, no. 1-2 (2025): 217-228. Copy at http://www.tinyurl.com/22z2qpnj

Abstract:

Occasioned by Hans Klein’s commentary, this study examines the history of interpretation of Rom 7:25b by comparing Protestant and Orthodox exegetical traditions. Klein, following Augustine and Luther, sees the verse as describing the believer’s ongoing internal struggle (simul iustus et peccator). In contrast, Greek patristic exegetes assign the “divided self” to the unredeemed human, while highlighting the baptized believer’s ability to overcome sin. The article suggests that although both traditions partly diverge from Paul’s theological view, they can complement one another when not taken in an absolute sense. The study concludes with a pastoral caveat regarding the mindset of believers: while the Protestant perspective may lead to resignation and despair over sin, the Orthodox emphasis on spiritual perfection may foster neurotic dissonance and self-estrangement. A hermeneutical approach is proposed to help navigate everyday spiritual struggle, growth, and the path to sanctification.

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