Rom 8:1-13 | TNotes | STEP | 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.

8:1 ^a So now there is no condemnation: Paul concludes from the argument of chs 5–7 ^b that neither sin (ch 6 ^c) nor the law (ch 7 ^d) can keep believers from having eternal life (ch 5 ^e). Paul can triumphantly proclaim that those who belong to Christ Jesus need not fear that they will be condemned for their sins.
8:2 ^f the power (literally the law) of the life-giving Spirit: This reference to power or law could refer to the law of Moses, which the Spirit can use to produce life. But because Paul does not portray the law as a life-giving entity, “law” here, as in 7:23 ^g, probably means principle or power. The Holy Spirit is a power that frees the believer from the power of sin that leads to death.
8:3 ^h our sinful nature: See study note on 6:19.

• in a body like the bodies we sinners have: Jesus identified with sinful people so that he could be their representative and redeem them. Paul also implies that Jesus’ incarnate nature was not exactly like ours; born of a virgin through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus did not inherit a sinful nature from Adam.

• a sacrifice for our sins: In the Greek Old Testament, this phrase frequently describes a sin offering, and three of the eight New Testament occurrences also have this meaning (Heb 10:6 ⁱ, 8 ^j; 13:11 ^k). Christ was the sin offering that brought forgiveness and turned away God’s wrath. God condemned sin in Christ, our substitute, so that we could escape condemnation.
8:4 ^l just requirement of the law ... fully satisfied for (Greek en, “in”) us: The Greek preposition en might indicate that the law is fulfilled in us because of our connection with Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law for us. It could also mean that by setting us free from sin’s power, Jesus Christ enables us to please God and fulfill the true intention of the law.

• As in the Old Testament (see Gen 6:3 ^m, 12 ⁿ; Ps 78:39 ^o; Isa 40:6 ^p), sinful nature refers to human weakness and bondage to sin (also in Rom 8:5-9 ^q, 12-13 ^r). Paul uses the phrase to describe the conflict between the ingrained human tendency to sin and the Holy Spirit.
8:5 ^s think about sinful things: This phrase describes the general nature of a person’s will, not just the mental process of thought (see also 12:3 ^t; 15:5 ^u; Phil 2:2 ^v, 5 ^w).
8:6 ^x Peace here does not refer merely to peace of mind; instead, as opposed to death, it implies an objective state of peace with God (see study note on 5:1).
8:9 ^y You are controlled by the Spirit: In contrast to unbelievers, who continue to live under the domination of Adam’s sinful nature, believers are directed in their lives by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit does not take away human initiative or make it impossible for believers to sin. However, as the most powerful force in believers’ lives, the Spirit makes it possible for them to resist the continuing power of sin.
8:10 ^z the Spirit gives you life: The Spirit opposes sin (which leads to physical death) and brings resurrection from the dead.
8:11 ^aa by this same Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the agent of the resurrection of our bodies. Some manuscripts read “because of the same Spirit,” which would mean that the Spirit is the guarantee that our bodies will be raised (cp. Eph 1:14 ^ab).
8:13 ^ac you will die: Death is the consequence of sin. Those who consistently yield to sin will suffer spiritual death (eternal condemnation). The presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers makes it possible for them to turn away from sin. The result is eternal life (you will live).