“If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.”
And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. — Even in transgression, the "I" internally assents (συνφημί, symphēmi, "concur with") that the νόμος (nomos, "law") is καλός (kalos, "good"). This is Paul's argument: the law's goodness is not questioned; the problem is the self's servitude to sin prevents obedience even when the mind agrees with the law's righteousness.
Church Fathers on Romans 7:16
“If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the Law, that it is good.” You see here, that the understanding is not yet perverted, but keeps up its own noble character even during the action. For even if it does pursue vice, still it hates it the while, which would be great commendation, whether of the natural or the written Law. For that the Law is good, is (he says) plain, from the fact of my accusing myself, when I disobey the Law, and hate what has been done. And…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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