Topical Bible: Man: Called: Flesh

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the term "flesh" is often used to describe humanity in its natural, mortal state, emphasizing human frailty, sinfulness, and the contrast between the physical and spiritual aspects of existence. The concept of "flesh" is multifaceted, encompassing both the physical body and the inherent sinful nature of humanity.

Biblical Usage and Meaning

1. Human Mortality and Frailty: The term "flesh" is frequently used to highlight the transient and fragile nature of human life. In Genesis 6:3, God declares, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days shall be 120 years." Here, "flesh" underscores the limitations and mortality of human beings.

2. Sinful Nature: In the New Testament, "flesh" often refers to the sinful nature of humanity, which is in opposition to the Spirit. Romans 8:5-8 explains, "Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace." This passage illustrates the conflict between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit.

3. Physical Body: The term "flesh" can also simply refer to the physical body. In John 1:14, it is written, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." This verse emphasizes the incarnation of Christ, who took on human flesh to dwell among humanity.

4. Symbol of Weakness: The flesh is often depicted as weak and susceptible to temptation. In Matthew 26:41, Jesus advises His disciples, "Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." This highlights the inherent weakness of the flesh in spiritual matters.

5. Contrast with Spirit: The dichotomy between flesh and spirit is a recurring theme in Scripture. Galatians 5:16-17 states, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh." This passage underscores the ongoing struggle between the desires of the flesh and the guidance of the Spirit.

Theological Implications

The concept of "flesh" in the Bible serves as a reminder of human limitations and the need for divine intervention. It highlights the inherent sinfulness of humanity and the necessity of redemption through Jesus Christ. The struggle between flesh and spirit is central to the Christian life, calling believers to rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome the desires of the flesh and live in accordance with God's will.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of man as "flesh" provides a profound understanding of human nature, emphasizing both the physical and spiritual dimensions of existence. It serves as a call to recognize human frailty, the reality of sin, and the transformative power of the Spirit in the life of a believer.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 6:12
And God looked on the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way on the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joel 2:28
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Does the Body Cause the Soul to Sin?
... But, in truth, He has even called the flesh to the resurrection, and promises to
it everlasting life. For where He promises to save man, there He gives the ...
/.../chapter viii does the body cause.htm

Showing How that Passage of the Apostle which the Heretics Pervert ...
... such men as these shall be properly called both "pure ... the Spirit of the Father, who
purifies man, and raises ... as the Lord has testified that "the flesh is weak ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter ix showing how that passage.htm

On the Resurrection of the Flesh
... XIV.--A Sufficient Cause for the Resurrection of the Flesh Occurs in the Future
Judgment of Man. ... Chapter XVI.--The Heretics Called the Flesh "The Vessel of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on the resurrection of the flesh/

By a Comparison Drawn from the Wild Olive-Tree, Whose Quality but ...
... receives another name, [4518] showing that he has become changed for the better,
being now not [mere] flesh and blood, but a spiritual man, and is called such. ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter x by a comparison drawn.htm

Man's Place in the World.
... Man's words on seeing woman were: "This, now, is bone of my bone And flesh of my
flesh. This one shall be called woman, For from man was she taken.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study i mans place in.htm

Christ Assumed Actual Flesh, Conceived and Born of the virgin.
... For all these are tokens of the flesh which had ... of God; God having predestined that
the first man should be ... might be saved should also be called into existence ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxii christ assumed actual flesh.htm

Psalm LVII.
... and dwelled in us." [2134] For man is called flesh, as in another place saith the
Scripture, "And all flesh shall see the salvation of God." [2135] Shall ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lvii.htm

Now Whereas we Said that the Eastern Churches, in their Delivery ...
... For there may be a second man and a third, or ... known, on account of the Sabellian
heresy, called by us ... became visible, or affirms that He suffered in the flesh. ...
/.../5 now whereas we said.htm

V. ...
... But as to the word flesh, you are to understand, as I said above, that the entire
man is called flesh, according as he lives, just as he also is called in ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter iv v .htm

Book ii. --Of the Harmony of the Old and New Laws.
... Did bear a lion: [1432] hurtful to her man [1433]. A virgin [1434] proved; a man
[1435] from virgin born. ... Awaking, called "flesh from his flesh, and bones. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/book ii of the harmony of.htm