Commentary of the Book of the Romans
By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins
Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible
Bible Study Romans 8: 1-39
Text:
The Spirit of God Dwells in You
8 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life [a]in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, [b]weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of [c]sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is at enmity toward God, for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh are not able to please God.
9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is [d]alive because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies [e]through His Spirit who dwells in you.
12 So then, brothers, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— 13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you [f]must die, but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the practices of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery [g]leading to fear again, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons by whom we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, also heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
Present Suffering and Future Glory
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the anxious longing of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 [h]that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we eagerly wait for it.
26 And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the [i]saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that for those who love God [j]all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. 29 Because those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers; 30 and those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.
God Is for Us
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who indeed did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was [k]raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of [l]Christ? Will affliction, or turmoil, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written,
“For Your sake we are being put to death all day long;
We were counted as sheep for the slaughter.”
37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Verse by verse commentary:
Verse 1: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Paul's pastoral concern for his readers is evident here. He reminds them of their ongoing struggle with sin but immediately follows with an assurance of their acceptance, forgiveness, and security through Christ, thereby removing any fear of condemnation, both in judgment and punishment.
Verse 2: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”
“For” explains the reason for no condemnation. The believer experiences no condemnation because the Spirit has replaced the law that once brought only sin and death. This new, simple law, the "law of the Spirit of life," is synonymous with the gospel and the law of faith, leading to life. In contrast, "the law of sin and death" refers to the law of God. While inherently good, holy, and righteous, the weakness of the flesh means this law can only result in sin and death.
Verse 3: “For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,”
The Bible speaks of God's immense sacrifice in sending His own Son, a parallel to Abraham's binding of Isaac. This act highlights the extraordinary cost of our redemption. Regarding Christ's humanity and sinlessness, the Lord Jesus Christ, though human, was distinct from us in His sinlessness. The term "likeness of sinful flesh" denotes fallen human nature, which became corrupt and controlled by sin. Christ's humanity mirrored ours in His susceptibility to temptation, and His life was lived in a fallen world, vulnerable to frailty and immense pressures. However, He remained without sin, untouched by moral and spiritual corruption. His sinless nature was crucial, fulfilling the Old Testament requirement for a sin offering to be "without blemish". Paul asserts that through the crucifixion of the incarnate Son of God, sin was judged and condemned. Consequently, all claims to our condemnation are rendered invalid. For those in Christ, there is no longer any remaining condemnation.
Verse 4: “so that the righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
The Mosaic law's ceremonial aspects have been set aside. Its civil responsibilities, which apply moral law to communities, are now transferred to human government.
The moral law is based on God's character, outlined in the Ten Commandments, and most concisely expressed in Jesus' commands to love God and one's neighbor. This law remains in effect under the New Covenant. Unbelievers are still subject to its demands for perfection and condemnation until they come to Christ. For believers, it continues to be the standard for behavior. While believers are no longer bound by its condemnation and penalty, the moral law still reflects God's character and will.
What the external, written code could not achieve, the Spirit accomplishes by writing the law on our hearts and empowering us to obey. "Walk" signifies a lifestyle, encompassing a person's characteristic habits of living and thinking. Since every true Christian is indwelt by the Spirit, every Christian will manifest the fruit the Spirit produces in their life.
Verse 5: “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”
Unbelievers are characterized by a mindset focused on gratifying their unredeemed flesh, encompassing their unholy affections, corrupt mental processes, and selfish will. In contrast, believers' lives are guided by the Spirit of God.
Verse 6: “ For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,”
In Greek, the term "mind set" is derived from the verb used in verse 5. This establishes a straightforward spiritual principle: an individual whose mindset is focused on the flesh is considered spiritually dead.
Verse 7: “because the mind set on the flesh is at enmity toward God, for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,”
Individuals who have not been renewed by the Spirit possess a mindset of pure anti-God hostility, incapable of being anything else (Romans 3:9–18). The unspiritual person views God as an adversary. This is proof that the unbeliever is totally depraved, that is, they are incapable of coming to Christ in fath and repentance without the grace of God operating in them.
Verse 8: “and those who are in the flesh are not able to please God.”
In God's eyes, anything produced by the flesh is unacceptable. Humanity's supposed good works, civilization, culture, and proud progress are all an offense to Him. Even the religious efforts of lukewarm churchgoers, performed in the flesh, are sickening to Christ.
Verse 9: “However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”
Christians, indwelt by the Spirit of Christ, are no longer subject to Adam's dominion or the "flesh." Instead, they are under Christ's rule. While the body remains mortal, believers can live a victorious life, united with Christ, living for God within the realm of the Spirit. This distinction isn't merely between a believer's physical and spiritual aspects, but rather between two states of being: physical life in a fallen world marked by constant death, and life in the Spirit, which is a sharing in Christ's resurrection.
Verse 10: “But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.”
The phrase "the spirit is alive" likely refers to the Holy Spirit, given the passage's emphasis on the Holy Spirit's work and close association with Christ. The indwelling "Spirit of God" is identified as the "Spirit of Christ," through whom "Christ is in you." Paul highlights this intimate connection, even stating, "the Lord is the Spirit." These passages do not negate the distinct persons of Christ and the Spirit within the Trinity, but rather illustrate their collaborative effort in applying Christ's resurrected life to believers. The Spirit's current presence serves as a guarantee of the believer's future bodily resurrection.
Verse 11: “ But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
Salvation is achieved through the unified efforts of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Their essential being is one, mirroring their combined work in the intricate process of redemption. This understanding offers a Trinitarian perspective on the realization of salvation. I have said repeatedly that if you don’t believe in the Trinity you are not saved. The Father elects; the Son redeems the elect; and the Holy Spirit brings this truth to the elect.
Verse 12: “ So then, brothers, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—”
From this point forward in the chapter, Paul generalizes about himself and all believers. He emphasizes that we should not live according to the flesh. God created humanity with a body, mind, and spirit. However, when man sinned, his spirit died to God, fulfilling God's warning: “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Gen. 2:17). After Adam ate the forbidden fruit, he continued to live physically for many centuries, but his spirit died immediately. This act inverted man's natural order, allowing the body, or the old nature—the flesh—to become dominant. As a result, humanity today is spiritually dead. Regeneration, therefore, signifies being reoriented, or "born again" spiritually, which instills a nature that desires to serve God.
Verse 13: “ for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die, but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the practices of the body, you will live.”
The body itself is not inherently evil; rather, sin originates in the heart, the spiritual core of our being and the seat of our will. However, because we inhabit physical bodies, sin manifests through them. Consequently, sin must be extinguished—not only at its internal source but also in its bodily expressions.
Verse 14: “ For as many as are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”
The leading of the Spirit, a characteristic identifying God's children, further elaborates on this path of holiness. This concept of "leading" echoes Israel's adoption and guidance during the Exodus and wilderness, which may be Paul's perspective here.
Verse 15: “ For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons by whom we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’”
Believers, justified and free from condemnation, are welcomed into God's family. The Spirit inwardly assures them of their belonging, prompting the cry, "Abba! Father!" This Aramaic term, also used by Jesus for God, powerfully conveys the early church's vivid experience of union with Christ and their assured awareness of sonship. The concept of adoption, absent from Old Testament legal systems, was likely borrowed by Paul from Roman law and enriched with the Biblical understanding of God's fatherhood over His people.
Verse 16: “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,”
The simultaneous testimony of our spirit and the Holy Spirit is expressed through the cry, "Abba! Father!"
Verse 17: “ and if children, also heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”
Just as all children in a human family inherit from their father alongside their eldest brother, believers are God's heirs with Christ. However, receiving this inheritance through Christ means sharing in His suffering, which is the path to sharing in His glory. In verses 17–21, "glorified" and "glory" refer to the transformative, ennobling, and joy-inducing revelation of God within one's personal being.
Verse 18: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
This anticipates the body's resurrection and the subsequent complete Christlikeness, which represents the believer's eternal glory.
Verse 19: “For the anxious longing of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.”
"Revealing" signifies an "uncovering" or "unveiling." This refers to all of the physical universe, with the exception of human beings, who are contrasted in verses 22 and 23. All of creation is personified as eagerly awaiting transformation from the curse and its consequences. When Christ returns, God's children will partake in His glory.
Verse 20: “For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope”
"Futility" signifies the failure to achieve an intended aim or purpose. Due to humanity's sin, God subjected the physical universe to a curse, meaning no aspect of creation now fully aligns with God's initial design.
Verse 21: “that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”
Human beings are mortal; from the moment we are born, we begin to die. This reality is mirrored in nature, where one can observe the decay and corruption of a dead tree in a forest, or detect the scent of decomposing animal remains.
Verse 22: “For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.”
Creation, in its current state, is not yet complete; it is like a mother enduring labor pains. The entire creation yearns for its God-ordained destiny to be realized, much like believers do.
Verse 23: “The present condition of creation is not its final one; it is like a mother groaning in labor pains. The entire creation has a destiny planned by God, and longs to be fulfilled, much as believers do.”
Our salvation has started with the Holy Spirit as a down payment. However, it will only be completed at the resurrection, when our adoption is fully realized.
Verse 24: “For in hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what he already sees?”
Travail, characterized by pain and grief over present circumstances, is imbued with both eager expectation and patient endurance, rather than disappointment and frustration.
Verse 25: “But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we eagerly wait for it.”
The Christian life centers on patient waiting, an active virtue sustained by unwavering hope. This period fosters spiritual growth, reflection, and anticipation, refining faith through trust in divine timing. Rooted in God's promises, this endurance draws strength from biblical examples like Abraham and the Israelites. Hope, a theological virtue, is confident expectation of God's fulfillment, anchoring the soul and preventing despair. Centered on Christ's return and eternal life, it provides a future orientation, viewing present struggles as temporary. Thus, Christian life is a dynamic interplay of present and future, demanding steadfastness amidst delays. Patient waiting, a crucible for spiritual formation, deepens faith, strengthens character, and fosters intimacy with God, testifying to His faithfulness and ultimate triumph.
Verse 26: “ And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;”
We are consistently aware of our weakness, but the Holy Spirit empowers us. Every Christian experiences uncertainty about how to pray for themselves. Our unspoken desires to pray correctly show us that the indwelling Spirit is already assisting us by interceding in our hearts, making requests that the Father will undoubtedly fulfill.
Verse 27: “and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
The "Mind of the Spirit" signifies a profound understanding between the Father and the Spirit, where unspoken thoughts are fully comprehended and affirmed.
Verse 28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”
Christians commonly understand that the Holy Spirit imparts unique knowledge, making spiritual truths real, as love builds up where knowledge alone can inflate. As believers, we confidently know God's love without debate, similar to how one knows the taste of honey. Love distinguishes believers, as faith working through love is the true identifier, not outward badges. John emphasizes that true love originates from God's love for us, compelling us to love one another. This mutual love signifies God dwelling in us, perfecting His love. It's difficult to love God while hating other Christians; our love for God is a response to His prior love, bringing joy. "All things" encompass every aspect of life, good or bad, implying divine orchestration—no accidents. Joseph's life, full of trials, exemplified this; God meant his misfortunes for good. As God's children, we can trust that all things work for our good, as Job's unwavering faith demonstrated. God motivates and energizes everything for our ultimate benefit.
Verse 29: “Because those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers;”
“Foreknew” is not merely God looking ahead to see who would choose Him. It means God set His covenant love on us before the world began (Jer. 1:5, Eph. 1:4). It’s personal, intimate, and undeserved. “Predestined” isn’t about robots—it’s about relationships. God’s goal is not just heaven for us, but Christlikeness in us.
Verse 30: “and those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.”
“Called” is not a general call—it’s an effectual call, like when Jesus said to Lazarus, “Come forth!” (John 11:43). Dead people don’t respond unless God makes them alive. Justification is a legal term: you were guilty, but now you’re declared righteous. Christ's righteousness is credited to your account. Notice it says “glorified” in the past tense—it’s so certain that God speaks of your future as if it’s already done!
Verse 31: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”
While opposition is inevitable in life, Paul emphasizes that it cannot destroy faith. Our spiritual survival is guaranteed because “God is for us.” This phrase signifies God's eternal commitment of almighty love, as further detailed in verses 38 and 39.
Verse 32: “He who indeed did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?”
God sacrificed His own Son, unlike Abraham's son, whom He spared. Having given His Son to die for us, He will undoubtedly provide us with everything necessary to sustain our faith. Therefore, knowing that God gave His Son for you, be assured that He will grant you all that you need in this life and the next.
Verse 33: “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies;”
Since Christ's death and resurrection, as detailed in Romans 4:25, the Judge has addressed all accusations against us. Attempting to justify ourselves is therefore pointless.
Verse 34: “who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”
Since Jesus, our sin-bearer, is enthroned in heaven and intercedes for us, and the Holy Spirit intercedes in our hearts, we cannot be condemned. This demonstrates "the right hand of God" as a position of honor and executive authority.
Verse 35: “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will affliction, or turmoil, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”
No one can separate us from Christ's love. This isn't based on our love for Him, but on His demonstrated love for us through salvation. Neither affliction nor turmoil, which describes being in a restrictive and difficult situation, or being trapped by circumstances, can separate us. Similarly, persecution—suffering inflicted by others due to our connection with Christ—is also powerless to separate us from His love. Nothing can stop Christ’s love for us.
Verse 36: “Just as it is written,
“For Your sake we are being put to death all day long;
We were counted as sheep for the slaughter.”
Paul refers to Old Testament Scripture to demonstrate that suffering is not a new or surprising experience for God's people. However, through Christ, these sufferings are transformed into advancements on the path to glory.
Verse 37: “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.”
Being "more than a conqueror" is a profound paradox within the Christian faith. How can one destined for slaughter achieve such a status? It means receiving Divine assistance, a helper who secures victory on our behalf, ensuring we are never truly defeated. The ultimate triumph belongs to Christ, not to us. The victorious life we experience is not our own; it is His life lived through us.
Verse 38: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,”
Paul declares his certainty, stating, "For I am convinced." He emphasizes that neither "death," which ushers us into God's presence, nor "life"—with its inherent temptations, failures, disappointments, uncertainties, and sufferings—can sever us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. He further asserts that "angels," likely referring to fallen angels, and "rulers," signifying spiritual adversaries of believers, are also powerless. "Things present" encompasses current situations, while "things to come" refers to the future. Finally, "powers" include both natural and spiritual forces.
Verse 39: “nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Nothing in creation, no event or being, can sever us from God's active love in Christ.
