Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Romans 7:12

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

But, if ye be so minded, we will bring before you the language of those who wrest these declarations. For this will make our own statements clearer. For there are some that say, that he is not here saying what he does of the Law of Moses, but some take it of the law of nature; some, of the commandment given in Paradise. Yet surely Paul's object everywhere is to annul this Law, but he has not any question with those. And with much reason; for it was through a fear and a horror of this that the Jews obstinately opposed grace. …

Homily on Romans 12 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Here he very clearly shut the mouths of the Marcionites, Manichaeans, Simonians, and all who condemn the Old Testament; for he clearly proclaims that the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, and just, and good. He distinguishes the law from the commandment as the general from the particular; for in the law, one part constitutes doctrines and another commandments. Thus, both the doctrines of the law are holy, and the commandments concerning conduct are holy and just and good. …

Commentary on Romans ↗

Clement of Alexandria

And that he knows that what is just is good, appears by his saying, "So that the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." Wherefore the law is productive of the emotion of fear. "So that the law is holy," and in truth "spiritual," according to the apostle.

The Stromata Book 4 ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, wherefore the law, he reaches the main conclusion, namely, that the law is not only not sin but furthermore is good, making sin to be known and forbidding it. First he concludes with respect to the whole law, saying: as is clear from the foregoing, the law indeed is holy: the law of the Lord is without blemish (Ps 19:7); we know that the law is good (1 Tim 1:8). …

Commentary on Romans ↗

Bonaventure

The second appropriation is made to the Eternal Sun insofar as it is the medium that governs all things. In this regard, three [attributes] are appropriated, to wit, piety, truth, and holiness, for all [rightful] governing and law-giving is pious, true, and holy. As it is said in Romans: The law indeed is holy and the commandment holy and just and good. Out of these three come forth three laws, and there cannot be more; that is, [the laws] of nature, of Scripture, and of grace. …

Collations on the Hexaemeron, Collation 21 ↗