Romans 8

Therefore, there is now no condemnation: Paul concludes from the arguments in chapters 5–7 that neither sin nor the law can prevent Christians from gaining eternal life.

Paul confidently declares that people who belong to Christ Jesus do not need to fear condemnation for their sins.

the law of the Spirit of life: This reference to law might refer to the law of Moses, which the Holy Spirit can use to give life. However, Paul does not describe the law as giving life. So, here, law, as in 7:23, probably means principle or power. The Spirit has power that frees Christians from the power of sin that leads to death.

• the flesh: See study note on 6:19.

• in the likeness of sinful man: Jesus fully shared human flesh and life in a world ruled by sin. He identified with sinful people so that he could act as their representative. At the same time, he did not himself commit sin.

• an offering for sin: In the Greek Old Testament, this phrase frequently describes a sin offering, and three of the eight New Testament occurrences also have this meaning (Hebrews 10:6, 8; 13:11). Christ was the sin offering that brought forgiveness and turned away God’s wrath against sin. God judged sin in Christ, our substitute (the one who took our place), so that we could escape judgment.

• the righteous standard of the law … might be fulfilled in us. The Greek preposition en ("in") can be understood in more than one way. It may mean that the law is fulfilled in us because we are united with Jesus Christ, who fully obeyed the law for us. It can also mean that, by freeing us from the power of sin, Jesus Christ enables us to please God and live out the true purpose of the law.

• In the Old Testament, the flesh refers to human weakness and slavery to sin (see Genesis 6:3, 12; Psalm 78:39; Isaiah 40:6; also in Romans 8:5–9, 12–13). Paul uses this phrase to describe the conflict between the human tendency to sin and the Holy Spirit.

set their minds on the things of the flesh: This phrase refers to a person's overall intentions, not just their thoughts (see also 12:3; 15:5; Philippians 2:2, 5).

Peace here does not just mean peace of mind. Instead, it means being at peace with God, as opposed to death (see study note on 5:1).

You … are controlled … by the Spirit: In contrast to unbelievers, who still live under the rule of Adam’s sinful nature, Christians are guided in their lives by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not remove human choice or make Christians unable to sin. However, as the strongest influence in the lives of Christians, the Spirit makes it possible for them to resist the ongoing power of sin.

your spirit is alive: Because the Holy Spirit lives in believers, their spirit has life, even though their body is subject to death because of sin. The Spirit stands against sin, which leads to death, and guarantees future resurrection from the dead.

through His Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the one who raises believers’ bodies from the dead. Some manuscripts read “because of his Spirit.” This wording would mean that the Spirit living in believers is the guarantee that their bodies will be raised (compare Ephesians 1:14).

you will die: Death is the result of sin. Those who consistently submit to sin will suffer spiritual death (you will die). However, the presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians makes it possible for them to turn away from sin. The result is eternal life (you will live).

sons of God: In the Old Testament, this phrase referred to Israel, the people God called to be his own (see especially Exodus 4:22; Jeremiah 3:19; 31:9; Hosea 11:1). Paul uses it to remind believers that they have a close relationship with God and that they will inherit many of the promises and blessings given to Israel. Christians are no longer minors or slaves, but mature children with full rights (see Galatians 4:1–7).

• you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship: According to Greco-Roman customs of adoption, a man could adopt a son and give that child the same legal rights as a natural son. This practice included the highest levels of society, even the imperial family. For example, the Roman ruler Julius Caesar adopted Octavian as his heir. Octavian later ruled the Roman Empire under the name Augustus.

  Paul’s understanding of adoption is also rooted in the Old Testament and Jewish tradition. In the Scriptures, God describes Israel as his child and shows care, guidance, and discipline like a parent (Exodus 4:22; Deuteronomy 1:31; Hosea 11:1; see also Romans 9:4; Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5).

• Abba: This word was used within close family relationships and expressed deep trust and affection (similar to "dear father"). Jesus used this word when speaking to God (Mark 14:36). Through Jesus, all who become children of God are given the same privilege of addressing God in this personal way.

Jesus is heir to all of God’s promises (Mark 12:1–12; Galatians 3:18–19; Hebrews 1:2). As those who belong to Jesus, we share with him in that glorious inheritance. However, just as it was for Jesus, our path to glory is also marked by suffering. We experience challenges while trying to live right in a world dominated by sin (2 Corinthians 1:5; Philippians 1:29; 3:10).

• creation: This includes animals, plants, and the earth itself. Paul follows the pattern found in the Old Testament by speaking about creation as if it were a person (see especially Psalm 65:12–13; Isaiah 24:4; Jeremiah 4:28; 12:4).

• waits in eager expectation for: Just as Adam’s sin brought harm to the whole created world, creation will also share in the blessings God has promised to his people. This hope includes the renewal of the earth itself (for example, Isaiah 4:2, Revelation 21:1–2).

the pains of childbirth: This is a metaphor for the eager waiting of creation (see also Matthew 24:8; Mark 13:8; John 16:20–22).

• we ourselves … groan: The word groan describes a deep and frustrated longing for God to rescue us from the suffering and oppression of this life (see Exodus 3:7; Lamentations 1:22; Ezekiel 24:17; 2 Corinthians 5:2).

• who have the firstfruits of the Spirit: In the Old Testament, first harvest or firstfruits refers to offering the first and best part of a crop to God (see Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 2:12; 23:10; compare 1 Corinthians 15:20, 23). In the same way, the Holy Spirit is God’s promise that he will finish the work he has begun in us (see Ephesians 1:14).

• Although God has already adopted believers as his children, we do not yet enjoy all the rights of that adoption. Our inheritance is still in the future (see Romans 8:17). In this life, Christians live between what God has already done and what he will fully reveal in the future.

groans too deep for words: This may refer to prayer that does not use normal human language. In such moments, believers may not know what to say and may only cry out to God without clear words.

These groanings belong to the Holy Spirit, not to believers themselves. When believers do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit prays for them and speaks to God on their behalf.

He also glorified: Elsewhere in this passage, the glory Christians will experience is always in the future (8:18, 21, 23). The past tense refers to a decision God has already made. God has decided in the past that he will glorify us in the future.

Christians have not yet received their full inheritance. However, the Father has firmly and permanently decided to share his glory with us.

Paul is referring to everything he has taught in chapters 5–8 about the blessings and sense of assurance that believers receive from their relationship with God.

He who did not spare His own Son: This language recalls the story of Abraham, who was willing to offer his son Isaac to God (Genesis 22:12, 16). However, Isaac was not actually sacrificed.

In contrast, God did not hold back his only Son. He allowed Jesus to be handed over and to suffer a shameful and painful death on the cross.