Romans 8
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
There is, therefore, now no condemnation - To do justice to St. Paul's reasoning, this chapter must be read in the closest connection with the preceding. There we have seen the unavailing struggles of an awakened Jew, who sought pardon and holiness from that law which he was conscious he had broken; and in which he could find no provision for pardon, and no power to sanctify. This conviction having brought him to the very brink of despair, and, being on the point of giving up all hope, he hears of redemption by Jesus Christ, thanks God for the prospect he has of salvation, applies for and receives it; and now magnifies God for the unspeakable gift of which he has been made a partaker. Those who restrain the word now, so as to indicate by it the Gospel dispensation only, do not take in the whole of the apostles meaning. The apostle has not been dealing in general matters only, but also in those which are particular. He has not been pointing out merely the difference between the two dispensations, the Mosaic and the Christian; but he marks out the state of a penitent under the former, and that of a believer under the latter. The last chapter closed with an account of the deep distress of the penitent; this one opens with an account of his salvation. The now, therefore, in the text, must refer more to the happy transition from darkness to light, from condemnation to pardon, which this believer now enjoys, than to the Christian dispensation taking the place of the Jewish economy. Who walk not after the flesh, etc. - In this one verse we find the power and virtue of the Gospel scheme; it pardons and sanctifies; the Jewish law could do neither. By faith in our Lord Jesus Christ the penitent, condemned by the law, is pardoned; the carnal man, labouring under the overpowering i…
Open source ↗CONCLUSION OF THE WHOLE ARGUMENT--THE GLORIOUS COMPLETENESS OF THEM THAT ARE IN CHRIST JESUS. (Rom. 8:1-39) There is therefore now, &c.--referring to the immediately preceding context [OLSHAUSEN, PHILIPPI, MEYER, ALFORD, &c.]. The subject with which the seventh chapter concludes is still under consideration. The scope of Rom 8:1-4 is to show how "the law of sin and death" is deprived of its power to bring believers again into bondage, and how the holy law of God receives in them the homage of a living obedience [CALVIN, FRASER, PHILIPPI, MEYER, ALFORD, &c.]. no condemnation: to them which are in Christ Jesus--As Christ, who "knew no sin," was, to all legal effects, "made sin for us," so are we, who believe in Him, to all legal effects, "made the righteousness of God in Him" (Co2 5:21); and thus, one with Him in the divine reckoning. there is to such "NO CONDEMNATION." (Compare Joh 3:18; Joh 5:24; Rom 5:18-19). But this is no mere legal arrangement: it is a union in life; believers, through the indwelling of Christ's Spirit in them, having one life with Him, as truly as the head and the members of the same body have one life. who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit--The evidence of manuscripts seems to show that this clause formed no part of the original text of this verse, but that the first part of it was early introduced, and the second later, from Rom 8:4, probably as an explanatory comment, and to make the transition to Rom 8:2 easier.
Open source ↗There is therefore now, no condemnation,.... The apostle having discoursed largely in the preceding chapter, concerning the struggle and combat believers feel within themselves, and opened the true causes and reasons of the saints' grievances and complaints, and what gives them the greatest uneasiness in this life, proceeds in this to take notice of the solid ground and foundation they have of spiritual peace and joy; which arise from their justification and adoption, the purposes and decrees of God, and particularly the everlasting and unchangeable love of God in Christ, the source, spring, and security, of all the blessings of grace. The chapter begins with a most comfortable account of the safety of believers in Christ; the apostle does not say there is nothing condemnable in them, for sin is in them and is condemnable, and condemned by them; and is hurtful to their spiritual joy and comfort, though it cannot bring them into condemnation, because of their being in Christ Jesus: he says there is , "not one condemnation" to them, or one sentence of condemnation against them; which must be understood not of illegal ones, for they are liable to many condemnations from their hearts, from the world and the devil; but of legal, justifiable ones, and there are none such, neither from God the Father, for he justifies; nor from the Son, for by his righteousness they are justified; nor from the Holy Spirit, who bears witness to their spirits, that they are in a state of justification: there is not one condemnation lies against them, with respect to their numerous sins, original and actual, though every sin deserves one; not one from the law of God, of which sin is a transgression, for though that is a condemning law, yet it is only so to them that are under it; not to them that…
Open source ↗I. The apostle here beings with one signal privilege of true Christians, and describes the character of those to whom it belongs: There is therefore now no condemnation to those that are in Christ Jesus, Rom 8:1. This is his triumph after that melancholy complaint and conflict in the foregoing chapter - sin remaining, disturbing, vexing, but, blessed be God, not ruining. The complaint he takes to himself, but humbly transfers the comfort with himself to all true believers, who are all interested in it. 1. It is the unspeakable privilege and comfort of all those that are in Christ Jesus that there is therefore now no condemnation to them. He does not say, "There is no accusation against them," for this there is; but the accusation is thrown out, and the indictment quashed. He does not say, "There is nothing in them that deserves condemnation," for this there is, and they see it, and own it, and mourn over it, and condemn themselves for it; but it shall not be their ruin. He does not say, "There is no cross, no affliction to them or no displeasure in the affliction," for this there may be; but no condemnation. They may be chastened of the Lord, but not condemned with the world. Now this arises from their being in Christ Jesus; by virtue of their union with him through faith they are thus secured. They are in Christ Jesus, as in their city of refuge, and so are protected from the avenger of blood. He is their advocate, and brings them off. There is therefore no condemnation, because they are interested in the satisfaction that Christ by dying made to the law. In Christ, God does not only not condemn them, but is well pleased with them, Mat 17:5. 2. It is the undoubted character of all those who are so in Christ Jesus as to be freed from condemnation that they walk not afte…
Open source ↗8:1 So now there is no condemnation: Paul concludes from the argument of chs 5–7 that neither sin (ch 6) nor the law (ch 7) can keep believers from having eternal life (ch 5). Paul can triumphantly proclaim that those who belong to Christ Jesus need not fear that they will be condemned for their sins.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
ἄρα (ára, G686) — a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows) νῦν (nŷn, G3568) — "now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or… οὐδείς (oudeís, G3762) — not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing κατάκριμα (katákrima, G2631) — an adverse sentence (the verdict) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites περιπατέω (peripatéō, G4043) — to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively,… μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… νόμος (nómos, G3551) — law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of… πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… ζωή (zōḗ, G2222) — life (literally or figuratively) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ἐλευθερόω (eleutheróō, G1659) — to liberate, i.e. (figuratively) to exempt (from moral, ceremonial or mortal liability) μέ (mé, G3165) — me ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… ἁμαρτία (hamartía, G266) — a sin (properly abstract) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… θάνατος (thánatos, G2288) — (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… νόμος (nómos, G3551) — law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of… ἀδύνατος (adýnatos, G102) — unable, i.e. weak (literally or figuratively); passively, impossible ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἀσθενέω (asthenéō, G770) — to be feeble (in any sense) διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very πέμπω (pémpō, G3992) — to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas (as a stronger form… ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… υἱός (huiós, G5207) — a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively,… ὁμοίωμα (homoíōma, G3667) — a form; abstractly, resemblance ἁμαρτία (hamartía, G266) — a sin (properly abstract)
Open source ↗ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) δικαίωμα (dikaíōma, G1345) — an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision νόμος (nómos, G3551) — law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of… πληρόω (plēróō, G4137) — to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively)… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us περιπατέω (peripatéō, G4043) — to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively,… μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ὤν (ṓn, G5607) — being κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by… φρονέω (phronéō, G5426) — to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to… ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… φρόνημα (phrónēma, G5427) — (mental) inclination or purpose σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by… θάνατος (thánatos, G2288) — (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively) δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… ζωή (zōḗ, G2222) — life (literally or figuratively) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἰρήνη (eirḗnē, G1515) — peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
Open source ↗διότι (dióti, G1360) — on the very account that, or inasmuch as σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by… φρόνημα (phrónēma, G5427) — (mental) inclination or purpose ἔχθρα (échthra, G2189) — hostility; by implication, a reason for opposition εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ὑποτάσσω (hypotássō, G5293) — to subordinate; reflexively, to obey οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not νόμος (nómos, G3551) — law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of… οὐδέ (oudé, G3761) — not however, i.e. neither, nor, not even δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὤν (ṓn, G5607) — being ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible ἀρέσκω (aréskō, G700) — to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) ἐστέ (esté, G2075) — ye are οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… εἴ περ (eí per, G1512) — if perhaps θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very οἰκέω (oikéō, G3611) — to occupy a house, i.e. reside (figuratively, inhabit, remain, inhere); by implication,… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you εἴ τις (eí tis, G1536) — if any ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you σῶμα (sōma, G4983) — the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively μέν (mén, G3303) — properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a… νεκρός (nekrós, G3498) — dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun) διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ἁμαρτία (hamartía, G266) — a sin (properly abstract) πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… ζωή (zōḗ, G2222) — life (literally or figuratively) δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosýnē, G1343) — equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… ἐγείρω (egeírō, G1453) — to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) νεκρός (nekrós, G3498) — dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun) οἰκέω (oikéō, G3611) — to occupy a house, i.e. reside (figuratively, inhabit, remain, inhere); by implication,… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ζωοποιέω (zōopoiéō, G2227) — to (re-)vitalize (literally or figuratively) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you
Open source ↗ἄρα (ára, G686) — a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows) οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἐσμέν (esmén, G2070) — we are ὀφειλέτης (opheilétēs, G3781) — an ower, i.e. person indebted; figuratively, a delinquent; morally, a transgressor… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by… ζάω (záō, G2198) — to live (literally or figuratively) κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. ζάω (záō, G2198) — to live (literally or figuratively) κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by… μέλλω (méllō, G3195) — to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially… ἀποθνήσκω (apothnḗskō, G599) — to die off (literally or figuratively) δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. θανατόω (thanatóō, G2289) πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… πρᾶξις (prâxis, G4234) — practice, i.e. (concretely) an act; by extension, a function σῶμα (sōma, G4983) — the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ὅσος (hósos, G3745) — as (much, great, long, etc.) as ἄγω (ágō, G71) — properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass… πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) εἰσί (eisí, G1526) — they are υἱός (huiós, G5207) — a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively,…
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.
Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.
Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.
Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.
and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.