PASSIONS AND DESIRES: How the Flesh Works and Why It Must Be Crucified

Affections and lusts.—Passions and desires. “Affections” are passive—susceptibility to evil impressions; “lusts” active—desire for that which is forbidden.

Here is a clear, structured explanation of Ellicott’s quote, with examples drawn directly from Paul’s world so you can see exactly what he meant.

PASSIONS AND DESIRES — Ellicott Explained

Ellicott distinguishes two sides of the flesh:

  • “Affections” (passions) — passive, meaning the heart is susceptible to sinful influence.

  • “Lusts” (desires) — active, meaning the heart reaches out for what is forbidden.

Paul’s phrase in Galatians 5:24 — “passions and desires” — includes both.

Let’s break it down.

1️⃣ “Affections” = Passive Susceptibility to Evil Impressions

Ellicott says affections are passive — they describe the inner vulnerability that makes a person open to sinful influence.

In Paul’s Time: Examples

These are the feelings or moods that make sin appealing:

  • Festival atmosphere The emotional pull of pagan celebrations — music, crowds, dancing — stirred people toward indulgence.

  • Social pressure Guild feasts, civic banquets, and neighborhood gatherings created a mood where drunkenness and rivalry felt normal.

  • Idol environments Temples filled with incense, chanting, and ritual drama created emotional susceptibility to sexual immorality and sorcery.

These “affections” didn’t commit the sin — they opened the door.

They are the passive soil where temptation grows.

2️⃣ “Lusts” = Active Desire for What Is Forbidden

Ellicott says lusts are active — the heart reaches out for sin.

In Paul’s Time: Examples

These are the choices and actions that follow the inner susceptibility:

  • Seeking temple prostitutes Moving from emotional pull to active sexual sin.

  • Buying magical charms or potions Moving from curiosity to active sorcery (pharmakeia).

  • Joining drunken revelries Moving from social pressure to active indulgence.

  • Starting rivalries or factions Moving from insecurity to active division and hostility.

These “lusts” are the active pursuit of sin.

They are the fruit growing from the soil of passive affections.

3️⃣ Why Paul Mentions Both

Paul says believers have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires (Gal. 5:24).

He means:

  • The passive susceptibility to sin must be crucified.

  • The active pursuit of sin must be crucified.

The Spirit doesn’t just stop sinful actions — He transforms the inner emotional climate that makes sin attractive.

This is why the fruit of the Spirit is so powerful: It replaces both the passive and active impulses of the flesh.

4️⃣ Summary Table

TermEllicott’s MeaningPaul’s World ExampleSpiritual Meaning
Affections (passions)Passive susceptibilityFestival atmosphere, idol temples, social pressureThe heart is open to sin
Lusts (desires)Active pursuitSexual immorality, sorcery, drunkenness, rivalryThe heart chooses sin

Both must be crucified for the Spirit’s fruit to grow.

Prayer — “Crucify My Passions and Desires”

Lord Jesus, Crucify every passion in me that is vulnerable to temptation and every desire that reaches for what You forbid. Replace my susceptibility with Your peace and my cravings with Your love. Grow Your fruit in me so that my heart is shaped by Your Spirit alone. Amen.


I would love feedback. Drop a comment. Thanks. * Sources used in podcast and/or blog post: * Copilot for text and images * Bible hub online commentary * Barnes Notes on the Bible https://amzn.to/445yM1g * John Gill's Exposition of the Bible https://amzn.to/4em5pN0 * Ellicott's Bible Commentary https://amzn.to/4veuwsy * #CommissionsEarned

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