Freedom in the Spirit
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Apr 3, 2024
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Uploaded by LieutenantStarShark38
Freedom in the Spirit
In verse 5, Paul initiates a common logical progression by employing the term "for." It's crucial to grasp Paul's logical flow by paying attention to the purposeful usage of γὰρ. Despite differing viewpoints, such as W. Robertson Nicoll's assertion that "the meaning of the sentence 'is not contained in the repetitions of γὰρ by which it is hooked together,’”
1
Douglas Moo presents a contrary perspective. He argues that the γὰρ in verse 5 continues from verse 4.
2
Thomas Schreiner further elucidates “Paul's contrast between ‘those according to the flesh’ and ‘those according to the Spirit’”
3
in verses 5 to 11. The participle verb ὄντες distinctly refers to the
unbeliever, with its present tense emphasizing their continuous existence and orientation towards
the fleshly realm due to their preoccupation with fleshly matters in their minds.
This stands in sharp contrast to believers, who, as Schreiner asserts, “manifest the mind-
set of the Spirit.”
4
Paul's use of the conjunction γὰρ in verse 6 isn't aimed at explaining the antithesis between "the flesh" and "the Spirit." Rather, his aim is to underscore the disparities between "the mindset on the flesh" and "the mindset on the Spirit." He achieves this by making "the mind" the subject and "death, life, and peace" the direct object, thereby highlighting the consequences of divergent thought patterns.
As Paul advances his argument, he transitions to the conjunction διότι (because) at the onset of verse 7. This transition signifies "a causal connection between two statements,"
5
as Paul 1
W. Robertson Nicoll, The Expositor’s Greek Testament: Commentary, vol. 2 (New York: George H. Doran Company, n.d.), 646.
2
Douglas Moo, The Epistle to the Romans (Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1996), 487.
3
Thomas R. Schreiner, Romans 2
nd
ed. BECNT (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2018), 405.
4
Ibid., 406
5
William Arndt, Frederick W. Danker, and Walter Bauer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature
(Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 251.
presents a reasoned conclusion regarding a flesh-oriented mind – it is "hostile toward God," "does not subject itself to the law of God," and "is not even able to do so." The verb ὑποτάσσεται, translated as "to submit to the orders or directives of someone – ‘to obey, to submit
to, obedience, submission,’”
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underscores the deliberate refusal of individuals in this state to submit to God, persisting in this state continually.
Lastly, in verse 8, Paul subtly alludes once more to the Adamic nature and those who adhere to it when he states, "and those who are in the flesh cannot please God." The conjunction δὲ serves as a logical connective, linking to the ongoing discourse about individuals who have set
their minds on the flesh. Employing the verb δύνανται in the present tense and plural form signifies the inherent inability of every individual, before submitting to the Lordship of Christ, to
mend their relationship with God. Additionally, they bear moral responsibility for their stubborn resistance to God's divine will.
6
Louw and Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, 467.
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