Christ's Holy Spirit
Romans 1:3-4
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;…


The word "spirit" is in contrast with "flesh," and "according to" (Gr.) limits the assertion "who was marked out as Son of God" to the spirit which animated the body born of David's seed. Looking at the material of His body, we call Him David's Son; looking at the Spirit which moved, spoke, and acted, in that human body, we call Him Son of God. In every man there is a mysterious linking together of two worlds, of that which is akin to the clay, and that which is akin to God; of flesh and Spirit. In Christ on earth we have this in a still higher degree. The flesh of Christ was ordinary flesh; and therefore needs no further description. But the Spirit which animated that flesh is altogether different from all other human spirits. Spirit of holiness is chosen, perhaps, to distinguish the personal Spirit of Christ from the Holy Ghost, and to show that it was a personal embodiment of holiness (Psalm 51:11; Isaiah 63:10), i.e., absolute devotion to God is a great feature of the nature of Christ, that of Him every thought, purpose, word, act, points directly towards God. This agrees with the words of Jesus about Himself (John 4:34; John 5:19, 30; John 6:38). With Him holiness was not accidental or acquired; but was an essential element of His nature, arising directly from His relation to God (Romans 5:19). When we look at Christ's body, we find Him like ourselves; and we call Him David's Son; but when we look at the Spirit which moved those lips and hands and feet, which breathed in that human breast, and when we see that Spirit turning always and essentially to God, we declare Him to be the Son of God.

(Prof. J. A. Beet.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

WEB: concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,




Christ, God's Son
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