After the flesh; fleshly in their character.

Do mind the things of the flesh; devote themselves to fleshly objects. Their outward conduct flows from their inward character, as a stream from a fountain. "The flesh" is to be taken here, as in Galatians 5:19-21, and often elsewhere, in a wide sense. It includes all the earthly and corrupt passions, appetites, and desires which rule in the natural heart.

They that are after the Spirit; they in whom the Holy Spirit habitually dwells, making them spiritual in their character.

Mind-the things of the Spirit; yield themselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and thus devote themselves supremely to the spiritual objects which he reveals.

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Old Testament