Did I grow up in a simple time when it was easier to be polarized
between good and bad. Taken to church good and bad morph into
heaven and hell. For today's purposes some have morphed into Peter and
Judas. Denier and betrayer.
If we could step back and look into that mirror we might agree with
Paul's personal analysis we are creatures of flesh and blood, sold as
slaves into sin. Clearly understanding our own behavior, owning our
own thoughts and attitudes not simply nodding to the ideas
flying around us.
At the end of chapter seven Paul is grateful that God rescues us from
this life dilemma doing the wrong I don't want and failing to do the good I do
want.
I wonder if Peter and Judas were both rescued. Judas from being mutilated by
the Christian mob. Peter from despair and hopelessness at his failure to stand
next to Jesus.