Contemplative Bible Reading

Romans 7:24 (American Standard Version)

Wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me out of the body of this death?

I love the wonderful, horrible wording found in this translation. Paul calls himself a wretched man.

One definition of wretched is

in a very unhappy or unfortunate state

The word “unfortunate” is an understatement. Paul is doomed to damnation because of his sinful state. Yes, that is unfortunate.

Paul replies to himself in the next verse with Jesus Christ being the answer to “who shall deliver me?”

Thank you God for your grace that saves a wretched person like me.