Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary (4 vols)

Romans 8:7

Romans 8:7. Because the mind (same word as in Romans 8:6) of the flesh. Proof that the mind of the flesh is death (Romans 8:6); in Romans 8:10-11, it is proved that the mind of the spirit is life and peace, though that is implied here.

Enmity against God. This is equivalent to death.

For introduces an illustration and evidence of this enmity.

Doth not submit itself to the law of God. This fact, already set forth in the previous description of man (chap. Romans 1:11) and of the work of the law (chap. 7), shows that the enmity is not latent, but active.

Neither indeed can it. ‘For it is not even possible for it' (Meyer). Paul declares that the cause of non-submission to the law of God, which is a proof of enmity to God, is the fact that the mind of the flesh has no ability to produce this submission, being essentially antagonism to God. Possibility of conversion and ability to believe are not under discussion; these imply the death of the flesh as a ruling principle.

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Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary (4 vols)

Romans 8:7

Old Testament

New Testament