THE WORKS OF LORD AURELIUS AUGUSTINE

2 Corinthians 3 ...in this way it must be understood, what the Apostle says: The letter kills, but the spirit gives life original: "Litera occidit, spiritus autem uiuificat"; a central theme of this treatise from 2 Corinthians 3:6.. But it is also, and indeed most especially, understood by that which he says so aptly in another place:
Romans 7 I did not know lust, except the law said: Thou shalt not lust. original: "Concupiscentiam nesciebam nisi lex diceret: Non concupisces." This refers to Romans 7:7. Augustine uses "concupiscence" to mean any disordered desire or "lusting" after things other than God. And a little later he says: Taking opportunity, sin through the commandment deceived me, and by it killed me. Romans 7:11. Behold, what is this "the letter kills"? Certainly, it is not spoken figuratively here, as if it should not be taken according to the literal sound of the words; for when it says, "Thou shalt not lust," it is a most perfect and most wholesome precept. Indeed, if anyone were to fulfill it, they would have no sin at all.

For the Apostle chose this particular commandment as a general rule that encompasses all things, as if this were the very voice of the Law prohibiting every sin, when it says: Thou shalt not lust. For no sin is committed except by lusting concupiscentia: in this context, it refers to the internal drive toward sin or selfish desire which the Law forbids but cannot cure on its own.; therefore, the Law which commands this is good and praiseworthy. But where the Holy Spirit does not provide help—by inspiring a good desire in place of an evil one, which is to say, by pouring out love
Romans 5 in our hearts A reference to Romans 5:5, a verse Augustine cites frequently to show that the ability to love God is a gift of grace.—then that Law, however good it may be, actually increases the evil desire by prohibiting it. It is like the force of a stream of water: if it does not stop flowing in its direction, it becomes more violent when an obstacle is placed in its way; and once it has overcome the mass of that barrier, it rushes down in a greater heap and rolls forward more fiercely. For I know not how it happens, but the very thing that is desired becomes more pleasant precisely while it is forbidden. This is how "sin deceives through the commandment," and "kills through it," because transgression original: "preuaricatio"; a legal term for breaking a known law, making the sin more serious than a simple mistake. is added to the sin—for there is no transgression where there is no law. But let us consider the whole passage of the Apostle’s letter, if you please, and let us examine it as the Lord assists us.

THAT IN THE AUTHORITY

of "The letter kills" etc., "letter" is to be

understood as the Law. Chapter 5.

2 Corinthians 3 For I wish, if I am able, to demonstrate that which the Apostle says: The letter kills, but the spirit gives life,