Romans 8:9

But, &c. After this dark foil, in the picture of the fleshly state, St Paul now gives (what is his main aim all the while) the opposite picture; that of the spiritual, regenerate, state.

ye Who are "in Christ Jesus;" "Jesus Christ's called ones." (Romans 1:6) in the Spirit See long note on Romans 8:4; and note on "in the flesh," Romans 8:8. To be "in the Spirit" is to be in that state of soul which results in a "walk after the Spirit;" a state therefore in which the Holy Ghost is the ruling influence. The meaning is illustrated by the use of the same phrase for ecstatic inspiration, (another result of the same Agency,) Revelation 1:10.

if so be The Gr. particle is more than merely "if," (which often = "since," or "as,") and suggests just such doubt and enquiryas would amount to self-examination. See 2 Corinthians 13:5.

dwell See John 14:17, and cp. Ephesians 3:16. The word indicates the intimacy and permanence of the Holy Spirit's action and influence in the regenerate man.

in you i.e. of course, as individuals. For see the next words "If any manhave not, &c."

the Spirit of Christ Evidently not in the essentially modernsense of His (Christ's) principles and temper, but in that of the Personal Holy Spirit as profoundly connected with Christ. Same word as Php 1:19; 1 Peter 1:11; and see Galatians 4:6. The phrase is indeed remarkable, just after the words "the Spirit of God:" it at least indicates St Paul's view of the Divine majesty of Messiah. On the other hand, it is scarcely a text in point on the great mystery of the "Procession" of the Holy Ghost; the emphasis of the words here being rather on the workof the Holy Ghost as the Revealer of Christto the soul. See again Ephesians 3:16.

none of his See again 2 Corinthians 13:5, as the best comment on this brief warning. Evidently St Paul reminds the reader that a vital requisite to union with Christ is the present veritable indwelling of His Spirit; such an indwelling as he is treating of here, which determines the man to be "not in the flesh." The question thus solemnly suggested was to be answered (we may be sure) by no visionary tests, but by a self-searching enquiry for "the fruit of the Spirit." See the whole passage, Galatians 5:16-26; and cp. 1 John 3:24.