Rom 8:18, 34 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 18. For I reckon . I think; I judge. This verse commences a new division of the subject, which is continued to . Its design is to show the power of the gospel in sustaining the soul in trials: a very important and material part of the scheme. This had been partially noticed before, ( ) but its full power to support the sold in the prospect of a glorious immortality had not been fully discussed. This topic seems here to have been suggested by what is said of adoption . The mind of the apostle instantly adverted to the effects or benefits of that adoption; and one of the most material of those benefits was the sustaining grace which the gospel imparted in the midst of afflictions. It should be borne in mind, that the early Christians were comparatively few and feeble, and exposed to many trials, and that this topic would be often, therefore, introduced into the discussions about theft privileges and condition. The sufferings . The afflictions; the persecutions, sicknesses, etc. The expression evidently includes not only the peculiar trials of Christians at that time, but all that believers are ever called to endure. Of this present time . Probably the apostle had particular reference to the various calamities then endured. But the expression is equally applicable to afflictions of all times and in all places. Are not worthy to be compared. Are nothing in comparison; the one is far more than an equivalent in compensation for the other. With the glory . The happiness; the honour in heaven. Which shall be revealed in us . That shall be disclosed to us; or of which we shall be the partakers in heaven. The usual representation of heaven is that of glory, splendour, magnificence, or light. Comp. . By this, therefore, Christians may be sustained. Their sufferings may seem great; but they should remember that they are nothing in comparison with future glory. They are nothing in degree . For these are light compared with that "eternal weight of glory" which they shall "work out," . They are nothing in duration . For these sufferings are but for a moment; but the glory shall be eternal. These will soon pass away; but that glory shall never become dim or diminished, it will increase and expand for ever and ever. In us . Unto us, (ειςημας).

Romans 8:18

Verse 18. For I reckon. I think; I judge. This verse commences a new division of the subject, which is continued to Rom 8:25. Its design is to show the power of the gospel in sustaining the soul in trials: a very important and material part of the scheme. This had been partially noticed before, (Rom 5:3-5) but its full power to support the sold in the prospect of a glorious immortality had not been fully discussed. This topic seems here to have been suggested by what is said of adoption. The mind of the apostle instantly adverted to the effects or benefits of that adoption; and one of the most material of those benefits was the sustaining grace which the gospel imparted in the midst of afflictions. It should be borne in mind, that the early Christians were comparatively few and feeble, and exposed to many trials, and that this topic would be often, therefore, introduced into the discussions about theft privileges and condition.

The sufferings. The afflictions; the persecutions, sicknesses, etc. The expression evidently includes not only the peculiar trials of Christians at that time, but all that believers are ever called to endure.

Of this present time. Probably the apostle had particular reference to the various calamities then endured. But the expression is equally applicable to afflictions of all times and in all places.

Are not worthy to be compared. Are nothing in comparison; the one is far more than an equivalent in compensation for the other.

With the glory. The happiness; the honour in heaven.

Which shall be revealed in us. That shall be disclosed to us; or of which we shall be the partakers in heaven. The usual representation of heaven is that of glory, splendour, magnificence, or light. Comp. Rev 21:10,23,24, 22:5.

By this, therefore, Christians may be sustained. Their sufferings may seem great; but they should remember that they are nothing in comparison with future glory. They are nothing in degree. For these are light compared with that "eternal weight of glory" which they shall "work out," 2Cor 4:17. They are nothing in duration. For these sufferings are but for a moment; but the glory shall be eternal. These will soon pass away; but that glory shall never become dim or diminished, it will increase and expand for ever and ever.

In us. Unto us, (ειςημας).

Romans 8:34

Verse 34. Who is he that condemneth? Who shall pass sentence of condemnation, and consign to perdition? The office of passing sentence of condemnation on men shall pertain to Christ, the Judge of quick and dead, and the apostle proceeds to say that it was certain that he would not condemn the elect of God. They were therefore secure,

It is Christ that died. Or, as it may be rendered, "Shall Christ, who has died, condemn them?" The argument here is, that as Christ died to save them, and not to destroy them, he will not condemn them. His death for them is a security that he will not condemn them. As he died to save them, and as they have actually embraced his salvation, there is the highest security that he will not condemn them. This is the first argument for their security from the death of Christ.

Yea rather, that is risen again. This is a second consideration for their security from his work. He rose for their justification, Rom 4:25 and as this was the object which he had in view, it follows that he will not condemn them.

Who is even at the right hand of God. Invested with power, and dignity, and authority in heaven. This is a third consideration to show that Christ will not condemn us, and that Christians are secure. He is clothed with power; he is exalted to honour; he is placed at the head of all things. And this solemn enthronement and investiture with power over the universe, is with express reference to the salvation of his church and people, Mt 28:18,19, Jn 17:2, Eph 1:20-23. The Christian is, therefore, under the protection of Christ, and is secure from being condemned by him.

Who also maketh intercession for us. Rom 8:26. Who pleads our cause; who aids and assists us; who presents our interests before the mercy-seat in the heavens, for this purpose he ascended to heaven, Heb 7:25. This is the fourth consideration which the apostle urges for the security of Christians drawn from the work of Christ. By all these, he argues their complete security from being subject to condemnation by him who shall pronounce the doom of all mankind, and therefore their complete safety in the day of judgment. Having the Judge of all for our friend, we are safe.