“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.”
For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. — The σάρξ (sarx, "flesh") has no ἀγαθόν (agathos, "good") dwelling within it. The mind recognizes and desires τὸ καλόν (to kalon, "the good"), but the flesh's bondage prevents execution. Paul traces a threefold division: the law (good, spiritual), the mind (assenting to the law), and the flesh (hostile, incapable of obedience). The figure is of internal paralysis.
Church Fathers on Romans 7:18
“If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the Law, that it is good.” You see here, that the understanding is not yet perverted, but keeps up its own noble character even during the action. For even if it does pursue vice, still it hates it the while, which would be great commendation, whether of the natural or the written Law. For that the Law is good, is (he says) plain, from the fact of my accusing myself, when I disobey the Law, and hate what has been done. And…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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