Charles Ellicott Commentary Romans 8:5

"For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit." — Romans 8:5 (ASV)

Those who are . . .—Those who not only walk (direct their conduct) according to the promptings of the flesh, but who are in themselves and in the whole bent of their dispositions the slaves of these promptings.

Do mind the things of the flesh.—Their whole mental and moral activity is set upon nothing else but the gratification of these cravings of sense. The phrase “who mind” is not confined to the exercise of the intellect, but includes the affections; in fact, it includes all those lesser motives, thoughts, and desires which are involved in carrying out any great principle of action—whether it be selfish and “carnal” or spiritual.

On verses 5-8:

Further description of the antithesis between flesh and spirit in regard to:

1. their object, Romans 8:5;
2. their nature, Romans 8:7–8;
3. their end, Romans 8:6.