Romans 7:18-20

Second Cycle: Romans 7:18-20.

The first verse again contains a thesis parallel to that of Romans 7:14. This thesis is demonstrated by experience in the second part of the verse and in Romans 7:19, which thus correspond to Romans 7:15-16 of the first cycle. Finally, in Romans 7:20 we find as a conclusion the reaffirmation of the thesis; it is the parallel of Romans 7:17.

Romans 7:18 a “ For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing. ”

This thesis, reproducing that of Romans 7:14: I am carnal, connects itself, by terms used, with the last words of Romans 7:17; comp. the two expressions: “Sin dwelling in me,” and “in me dwelleth no good thing.” The γάρ, for, is explanatory rather than demonstrative. It is the same experience which is again expounded more precisely; comp. the similar for, Romans 7:10. It might seem, when Paul said, Romans 7:14: I am carnal, that he left nothing subsisting in the ego which was not flesh. The contrary appeared, however, from the we know preceding; for he who recognizes that the law is spiritual, must possess in himself something spiritual. This distinction between the ego, the I, and the flesh, is emphasized still more fully in Romans 7:18. For it is obvious that the phrase that is has a restrictive sense, and that Paul means: in me, so far at least as my person is carnal. He therefore gives it to be understood that there is something more in him besides the flesh. This something is precisely that in him which recognizes the spirituality of the law, and pays it homage. We thereby understand what the flesh is in his eyes, the complacent care of his person, in the form of pride or sensuality. Now this is precisely the active power which in practice determines the activity of the unregenerate man. The flesh thus understood does not exclude the knowledge, and even the admiration of goodness; but it renders this noble faculty fruitless in ordinary life, by enslaving to itself the active principle, the will. There is therefore really, as Paul gives it to be understood, good in the ego, but in the understanding only, the contemplative faculty, not in the flesh which gives the active impulse. See this contrast exactly stated in Romans 7:25.

The proof from fact follows.