ROMANS 8 (part 2, vv. 18-39)
the structure of the chapter as a whole can be found here.
Part A’, vv. 18-30
St. Paul
concludes the previous part with the claim of our heirloom in Christ, as long
as we suffer with Him to be glorified with Him. Latin saying: “per aspera ad
astra.” Through perils to stars…
Then he goes
into a consideration of suffering and glory. Two things: (1) the level of
suffering is not compatible to the “amount” of glory we will receive in Christ,
example of groaning creation (vv. 19-25).
(2) the
Spirit (v. 26) helps us! For even do not know how to pray, but Spirit
intercedes for us in our groaning…
For God
knows us, predestined us, called us, being justified, and glorified! (vv.
29-30).
Conclusion (vv. 31-39). It begins like the
other famous parts of Romans – 4:1, 6:1, 7:7. Later he will use it twice more
in the next block (9:14, 30).
This paragraph can be an answer/conclusion to
Chapter 8,
compare 8:1 reinforced by 8:38-39.
Chapters 5-8,
the name and the title if Jesus is the same in 5:1 and 8:39 (5:11, 21; 6:23;
7:25). So, it is the end of many-side discussion of the assurance we have in
our LORD Jesus Christ.
Chapters
1-8, it can be a
answer to righteousness/faithfulness of God (1:17) set at the beginning and
“challenged” in 3:1-8 (set of rhetorical question).
God’s love
shown in the sacrifice of Jesus is a proof and guarantee of our heirloom (v.
32):
Death and life
Angels or rulers
Things present or things to come (future)
Powers
Height or depth
ANYTHING in the created world – total 10 “units”
Can’t separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our LORD.
