struction of the power of sin. There is probably no allusion in the use of the word crucijied^ either to the slowness or painfulness of that particu- lar mode of death, as though the apostle meant to intimate that the de- struction of sin was a gradual and painful process. This indeed is true, but is not here expressed. The simple expression " dead with him," is substituted for this word in v. 8, and in Gal. 2 : 20, " I am crucified with Christ," contains no such allusion. It is more probable, as Calvin re- marks, that the word is used to intimate that it is solely in virtue of our participation in the death of Christ that we are delivered from the power of sin.
That the body of sin might he destroyed. The expression body of sin is probably a mere paraphrase for sin itself, see Col. 2:11; yet it is no doubt used with design, as sin is spoken of as a person that dies, whose members we are to mortify, and whom we are no longer to serve. The destruction of sin results from the death of Christ, inasmuch as we are thereby reconciled to God, and brought under the influence of all the considerations which flow from the doctrine of redemption, see v. 14; and because his death secures for us the Holy Spirit, who is the source of all holiness, ch. 8: 3, 4, 9.
That henceforth we should not serve sin, i. e. be slaves to it. This clause expresses at once the result and design of the destruction of the power of sin. Paul's whole argument then in these two verses is, ' Such is the nature of our union with Christ, that if we partake of the benefits of his death, and are conformed to him in this respect, we shall certainly be conformed to his life ; because by his death the power of sin is destroyed.'
(7) For he that is dead is free from sin. The meaning of this verse is somewhat doubtful. It may be considered as merely a statement of a general truth, designed for the illustration and confirmation of what Paul had just said. 'Death puts a final stop to all activity in this world. He that dies is entirely separated from all former pursuits and objects ; they have lost all power over him, and he all interest in them. To be dead to sin, therefore, expresses a full and final separation from it.' Or the meaning may be this, ' What has just been said is true, for he that is dead with Christ is judicially free from sin; its power and authority are destroyed, as effectually as the authority of a husband over his wife (ch. 7: 3, 4), or of a master over his slave (v. 18), is destroyed by death.' There are three ways, therefore, in which this verse may be explained. 1. As expressing a mere general truth. 2. By supplying, after the word dead the words to sin, ' He that is dead to sin, is free from it.' 3. By supplying the words with Christ, ' He that is dead with Christ is free from sin.' This last method seems the preferable one, on account of the relation of this verse to vs. 6, 8, " He that is dead (with Christ) is free from sin, for if we be dead with Christ, we believe we shall also live with him."
7s free from sin ; literally, is justtjied from sin. Is Justified from