Over 90 times, Paul speaks of the “flesh.” So what does this word mean for the apostle? Pastor John forms a definition from two key passages. Over ninety times, the apostle Paul speaks of the “flesh.” So what does this key word mean for him? It’s a shrewd and important question for any Bible reader to get clear on. The question comes from a listener named Cheryl. “Pastor John, I’m trying to come up with a clear definition of what Paul means by ‘flesh,’ sarx. Sometimes Paul seems to be talking about the external physical body ( 2 Corinthians 7:5 5 For even when we were come into Macedonia our flesh had no relief, but `we were' afflicted on every side; without `were' fightings, within `were' fears. ; 1 Timothy 3:16 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the spirit, Seen of angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory. ). At other times, he seems to be talking about some internal nature causing sinful actions and thoughts ( Romans 8:5 5 For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. –8; Galatians 5:17 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. ). I’m confused! What does Paul mean by ‘flesh’? And do you have a clean definition to encompass it all?” Episode 1337: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-does-it-mean-to-live-in-the-flesh Related Resources: “How Does ‘Willful Sinning’ Threaten My Salvation?” https://youtu.be/UWQiFKVaWVk “Does Junk Food Dishonor God?” https://youtu.be/MRA0nl4yWSA “Has My Sexual Sin Made Me Unsavable?” https://youtu.be/BkKKWO0qSvw “If I’m Dead to Sin, Why Must I Kill It Every Day?” https://youtu.be/5yL7FHUciFI Ask Pastor John Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKvMOJ1T8T4&list=PLFF7F6AE365DA3564 Find other recent and popular Ask Pastor John episodes, http://desiringgod.org/ask-pastor-john