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I. THE CHIEF EVENT AND CIRCUMSTANCE IN PAUL'S HISTORY. "I am (or have been) crucified with Christ." The apostle's reflections upon the arguments already given, threw him back upon this as the starting-point in his religious experience. In the contemplation of this he knew what had led to the death of Christ, as far as that event was determined by human purpose. Christ had assailed the traditionalism of the Jews — had exposed their hypocrisy — had exalted the spiritual law above the ceremonial. These works of His, combined with His lofty and sublime claims as the Son of God, led the Jews to resolve upon His death. This was the truth on the human side. On the Divine side, according to the revelation made to St. Paul, Christ suffers for our sins — He was delivered for our offences. But He not only dies for sins — He died to sin: "In that He died, He died unto sin once." The conflict with sin ended upon the cross. The risen Saviour knew no temptation. Now Paul, by a union of which he afterwards speaks, felt that in Christ's death he also died. "He has been planted — in the likeness of His death." Thus, so profound was his fellowship with Christ — so intimate was that bond that bound him to the Saviour — that in reference to the actual sufferings and death of the Redeemer, he could say: "I am crucified with Christ." This was the permanent thought in Paul's mind. So in all Christian life of the same type. It has its origin in what the world regards with shame and contempt. Being dead with Christ is one of the first principles of His doctrine.

II. THIS "CRUCIFIXION" DETERMINED PAUL'S RELATION TO THE LAW, AND ORIGINATED AND DIRECTED A NEW LIFE. The 19th verse has an intimate and essential connection with the first clause in the 20th verse. Hence —

1. His relationship to the law. "I through the law am dead to the law." The law, whether regarded in its highest moral character, or in its mere ceremonial requirements, had demanded of Paul that which he could never render. None had ever tried more sincerely, more arduously, than had Paul. But at the end of all there was the most apparent failure. The law viewed in the light of the Cross had shown him the futility of his efforts. The law became his schoolmaster to lead him to Christ, but from that moment he had parted company with it as the means of justification. The law by itself, whether moral or ceremonial, had no further attraction for him; and so complete wag the separation between him and it, that he could say, that being crucified with Christ he had died to the law. His most intimate acquaintance with the law had shown him that salvation could never be obtained through it. "Through law he died to law."

2. This crucifixion was the beginning of a new life — "Nevertheless I live." As the Saviour's crucifixion was followed by His entrance into a new and higher life, so was it with Paul. He had been buried with Christ, but he had also been planted in the likeness of His resurrection. This life was Christ in him — "Christ liveth in me."

3. Paul had, through crucifixion with Christ, received direction in this new life.It was —

1. A life unto God (verse 19). Thus was it in the resurrection of the Saviour — "In that He liveth, He liveth unto God." So with the believer. He has died unto law and sin, that he may live unto God. This is the end and aim of the Christian life — "To know Thee, the only true God."

2. A life of faith. Faith in the Son of God. Not belief in a law merely, but in a Person, and that Person the Divine Redeemer.

3. A life in which love and selfsacrifice are ruling principles. Paul distinctly recognizes the character and work of the Saviour — "Who loved me and gave Himself for me." These principles are reproduced in, and are continuous with, Christian life. The surrender of Christ produces in His people a similar devotion, and the love of Christ creates an undying affection.

4. A life in which there is no condemnation. This is the meaning of the last verse — "I do not frustrate the grace of God," etc. I have not this condemnation, but the assurance that in me the death of Christ has accomplished its purpose. Those who seek righteousness by the law treat with disrespect the provision of God, for if they could obtain justification by obedience to law, then the death of Christ was unnecessary. But the Christian believer is in no such condemnation. He has received the grace of God, not that he may continue in sin, but be separated from it, not that he may defy God, but serve Him in holiness and righteousness.

(R. Nicholls.)

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KJV: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

WEB: I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.