Comments

1. Tom Fuller says

   October 7, 2014 at 7:21 am

   I have understood the reference to the “flesh” in John 6:63 to be allusion to the hypothetical physical eating of his body and drinking of his blood. Do you have a minute to argue for why you see it as “human inability.” A second question: Do you see physical weakness as the entire reference point for flesh in Matthew 26:41? Thank you for the link to the article and for your labors.

   • Andy Naselli says

     October 7, 2014 at 9:20 am

     Hi, Tom.

     I still thank God for you when I reflect on how God used you to shepherd me during my senior year of high school and in my early college years. I’m grateful.

     In reply to your two questions:

     1. John 6:63

     Don Carson and I coauthored the notes on John for the forthcoming NIV study Bible (releasing in fall 2015), and here’s the short line we included to explain “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing”: “Apart from God’s Spirit, humans cannot experience eternal life (see 3:5–8).” This follows Don Carson’s commentary on John, so you could check there for a fuller explanation.

     2. Matt 26:41

     I think so, but I could be wrong. Cf. Don Carson’s commentary on Matthew (p. 610):

     “The spirit is willing, but the body [sarx, ‘flesh,’ GK 4922] is weak.” This is not a reference to the Holy Spirit but makes a “distinction between man’s physical weakness and the noble desires of his will” (Hill; idem, Greek Words, 242). But though compassionate, these words, which doubtless hark back to v.35, are not an excuse but a warning and incentive (Broadus). Spiritual eagerness is often accompanied by carnal weakness — a danger amply experienced by successive generations of Christians.

2. Tom Fuller says

   October 8, 2014 at 7:14 am

   Thank you for taking the time with the additional comments. I will take another look at these texts.

   I’m glad the Lord directed our paths to cross in those days and rejoice in your present labors for the Lord’s kingdom. Thank you for the words of appreciation.