Rom 8:31-39 | RWP | e4.org | For these things ( προς ταυτα ). From on Paul has made a triumphant presentation of the reasons for the certainty of final sanctification of the sons of God. He has reached the climax with glorification ( εδοξασεν in verse ). But Paul lets the objector have his say as he usually does so that in verses he considers the objections. If God is for us, who is against us? ( ε ο θεος υπερ ημων, τις καθ' ημων? ). This condition of the first class carries Paul's challenge to all doubters. There is no one on a par with God. Note the two prepositions in contrast ( υπερ , over, κατα , down or against).

‏ Romans 8:31-39

For these things ( προς ταυτα ). From 8:12 on Paul has made a triumphant presentation of the reasons for the certainty of final sanctification of the sons of God. He has reached the climax with glorification ( εδοξασεν in verse 30). But Paul lets the objector have his say as he usually does so that in verses 31-39 he considers the objections.

If God is for us, who is against us? ( ε ο θεος υπερ ημων, τις καθ' ημων? ). This condition of the first class carries Paul's challenge to all doubters. There is no one on a par with God. Note the two prepositions in contrast ( υπερ, over, κατα, down or against).

He that ( ος γε ). "Who as much as this" ( γε here magnifying the deed, intensive particle).

Spared not ( ουκ εφεισατο ). First aorist middle of φειδομα, old verb used about the offering of Isaac in Ge 22:16. See Ac 20:29.

Also with him ( κα συν αυτω ). The gift of "his own son" is the promise and the pledge of the all things for good of verse 28. Christ is all and carries all with him.

Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? ( τις εγκαλεσε κατα εκλεκτων θεου? ). Future active indicative of εγκαλεω, old verb, to come forward as accuser (forensic term) in case in court, to impeach, as in Ac 19:40; 23:29; 26:2, the only N.T. examples. Satan is the great Accuser of the brethren.

It is God that justifieth ( θεος ο δικαιων ). God is the Judge who sets us right according to his plan for justification (3:21-31). The Accuser must face the Judge with his charges.

Shall condemn ( κατακρινων ). Can be either present active participle (condemns) or the future (shall condemn). It is a bold accuser who can face God with false charges or with true ones for that matter for we have an "Advocate" at God's Court (1Jo 2:1), "who is at the right hand of God" ( ος εστιν εν δεξια του θεου ) "who also maketh intercession for us" ( ος κα εντυγχανε υπερ ημων ). Our Advocate paid the debt for our sins with his blood. The score is settled. We are free (8:1).

Shall separate ( χωρισε ). Future active of old verb χοριζω from adverb χωρις and that from χωρα, space. Can any one put a distance between Christ's love and us (objective genitive)? Can any one lead Christ to cease loving us? Such things do happen between husband and wife, alas. Paul changes the figure from "who" ( τις ) to "what" ( τ ). The items mentioned will not make Christ love us less. Paul here glories in tribulations as in 5:3ff.

Even as it is written ( καθως γεγραπτα ). He quotes Ps 44:23.

We are killed ( θανατουμεθα ). Present passive indicative of θανατοω for which see on 7:4. Same idea of continuous martyrdom in 1Co 15:31.

As sheep for the slaughter ( ως προβατα σφαγης ). Objective genitive ( σφαγης ).

Nay ( αλλα ). On the contrary, we shall not be separated.

We are more than conquerors ( υπερνικωμεν ). Late and rare compound. Here only in N.T. "We gain a surpassing victory through the one who loved us."

For I am persuaded ( πεπεισμα γαρ ). Perfect passive participle of πειθω, "I stand convinced." The items mentioned are those that people dread (life, death, supernatural powers, above, below, any creature to cover any omissions).

To separate us ( ημας χωρισα ). Aorist active infinitive of χοριζω (same verb as in 35). God's love is victor over all possible foes, "God's love that is in Christ Jesus." Paul has reached the mountain top. He has really completed his great argument concerning the God-kind of righteousness save for its bearing on some special problems. The first of these concerns the fact that the Jews (God's chosen people) have so largely rejected the gospel (chapters 9-11).