The I find not was the proof that no good whatever dwelt in the flesh; it is demonstrated in turn by the two facts stated in Romans 7:19. The only difference between this verse and Romans 7:15 b, is that here the verb ποιεῖν, to do, accomplish, is applied to good, while the verb πράσσειν, to work at, is applied to evil; which leads to this sense: “I do not succeed in realizing the good which I would, while I find myself working at the evil which I would not.”

The two notions of good and evil must of course be taken in their deepest sense, embracing the inward disposition as well as the external act. Even in doing the external task, one may himself, and in the eyes of God, find that he is doing evil.

The conclusion is expressed in Romans 7:20.

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Old Testament

New Testament