For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, having been sold by sin.
Truth to Learn
There is a constant battle between our flesh and our spirit.
Behind the Words
The word translated “spiritual” is the Greek word pneumatikos, which means “that which pertains to the nature of spirits and the spirit world.”
“Fleshly” is translated from the Greek word sarkikos, which means, “that which pertains to our body, our human flesh.”
The word translated “sold” is pipraskō. It is based on the verb peraō, meaning “to traffic” or “to travel, especially overseas.” It is a reference to those who travel overseas to obtain merchandise which is then sold for profit. Hence, pipraskō refers to something that is sold.
Meaning Explained
The remainder of the chapter, starting with this verse, has been the subject of much debate for at least the past several centuries. The discussion is over whether this description of Paul’s is in reference to a time before his conversion or subsequent to his conversion. I believe that there is sufficient evidence to understand that Paul is making statements about his condition after conversion. First of all, it is the most obvious explanation of what Paul is teaching. Secondly, Paul has already shown that the Law doesn’t produce righteousness; rather, it makes sin more sinful and the sinner guilty. He doesn’t have to prove that again. Thirdly, the expressions that are used are not those that an unrepentant sinner would use. Instead, they express the same frustration that all Christians feel regarding their continued propensity to sin. And fourthly, there is a change made here from past tense to present tense, so Paul is expressing what is currently happening in his life as a born-again Christian who is still struggling with his sin nature.
He starts off this section restating what he already said in verse twelve; the Law is spiritual. That is, the Law is a spiritual entity, it was developed in the realm of spirituality and it was developed to show mankind what spirituality looks like. It is holy, that is, without sin itself, and it is basically good.
Mankind, of whom Paul uses himself as a representative, is not inherently spiritual. Rather, we are fleshly according to Paul. The sentence structure is one that contrasts spirituality (that which pertains to and is controlled by the spirit world) with fleshiness or carnality (that which pertains to and is controlled by the non spiritual part of man, called the flesh).
It is this dichotomy and conflict between the realms of spirituality and carnality that Paul will spend the remainder of this chapter on. Though we were created with both a body and a spirit, it is the sin nature (which is part of our body) that controls much of what we do, rather than our spirit.
Application
If you have ever been frustrated by the fact that you sin at times and in a manner in which you don’t want to, stay with us because we are going to find out that Paul had this same battle. The Apostle Paul, one of the foundation stones of the Church of Jesus Christ and one of the greatest spiritual leaders of the early church, battled with his sin nature. And so do we!
In God's service, for His glory,
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