Romans 8

Romans 8:1

THere is therefore] A conclusion of all the former disputation from vers. 16. Chap. 1. to this place; seeing that we being justified by faith in Christ, do obtain remission of sinnes, and imputation of righteousnesse, and are also sanctified by the Spirit: it followeth from hence that they that are engraffed into Christ by faith are out of all danger of condemnation.

who walk not] The fruits of the Spirit or effects of sanctification, which is begun in us, do not engraffe us into Christ, but declare that we are engraffed into him.

after the flesh] By the flesh he understandeth the carnall state of sinne and corruption, in which all men are born, and naturally follow before they are regenerated by grace; and those are said here not to walk after the flesh who follow not the flesh for their guide: for he is not said to live after the flesh that hath the holy Ghost for his guide, though sometimes he step awry.

Romans 8:2

For the law] That is, the power and authoritie of the spirit, which is set in opposition to the tyrannie of sinne. Here the Apostle preventeth an objection, seeing that the vertue of that there is no condemnation to them who have received that vertue? because, saith he, that vertue of the quickning spirit which is so weak in us, is most perfect and mightie in Christ; and being imputed to us which beleeve, causeth us to be so accounted of as though there were no reliques of corruption and death in us.

Spirit of life] That is, the Spirit which mortifieth the old man, and quickneth the new man, whereby those who are regenerated lead a new and spirituall life.

in Christ Jesus] That is, which is perfectly and absolutely in Christ, and resides in him as the head, and from him hath influx to all the members. This spirit is as a law commanding us, and appointing what we ought to do, and how to carry our selves through our whole life.

from the law of sinne and death] There is in the words a figure like that, pateris libavit & auro, id est pateris aureis: so here the law of sinne and death, that is, of sinne bringing death and killing the soul: and as before he tearmed the power of the spirit the law of the spirit: so here he calleth the power of sinne the law of sinne; because like a law it commands evill actions, and ruleth in the children of disobedience.

Romans 8:3

For what the law could not do] He useth no argument here but expoundeth the mystery of sanctification, which is wrought in us: for because, saith he, that the vertue of the law was not such by reason of the corruption of our nature that it could make man pure, perfect, and free; and for that it rather kindled the fiery malady of sinne, then put it out, and extinguished it: therefore God clothed his Son with flesh like to our sinfull flesh, wherein he utterly abolished our corruption, that being accounted throughly and without fault in him, apprehended and laid hold on by faith, we might be found to have fully that singular perfection, which the law requireth; and therefore that there might be no condemnation in or to us.

in that it was weak] Not of it self, but through our fault.

through the flesh] Or, by. In men not born anew by the Spirit, whose disease the law pointed at; but neither did, nor could heal.

in the likenesse of sinnefull flesh] Gr. flesh of sinne. Christ took our nature upon him with all our naturall affections; yt without sinne: and therefore the Apostle here saith, God sent his Sonne in the likenesse of sinfull flesh, not in the likenesse of flesh, as if he had not taken true flesh upon him; but in the similitude of sinfull flesh: thus acutely Saint Augustine also distinguisheth: non in similitudine carnis, quasi caro non esset caro, sed in similitudine carnis pecati, quia caro erat, sed peccai caro non erat.

for sinne] Or, by a sacrifice for sinne. Either there is an Ellipsis, and the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is to be understood, as it is in the Translation of the Seventie, Leviticus 4:5. and also in Saint Paul, Hebrews 10:6. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉in for sinne thou hadst no pleasure: that is, in sacrifices for sinne, thou hadst no pleasure: and then the meaning is evidently this; God abolished, and utterly destroyed sinne in the flesh by the expiatorie sacrifice for sinne, which Christ offered upon the Crosse. Or we are thus to render the words, of sinne he condemned sinne in the flesh; that is, he condemned our sinne in the flesh of his Sonne of sinne; viz. of that capitall crime: that it was the meritorious cause of the death of Christ who was most innocent. Or because it had wrought death in man by that which was good, and by occasion of the law became above measure sinnefull Romans 7:13.

in the flesh] Or, of flesh.

Romans 8:4

righteousnesse of the law] The very substance of the law of God might be fulfilled, or that same righteousnesse which the law requireth, that we may be found just before God. For if with our justification from sinne there be joyned that active obedience of Christ which is imputed to us, we are just before God according to that perfect form which the law requireth.

Romans 8:5

they that are after the flesh] They that are in their carnall state of sinne and corruption, which we drew from the loins of our first parents: or they that are led by the flesh, and follow it in the lusts thereof.

Romans 8:6

to be carnally minded is death] Gr. the minding of the flesh. or the wisdome of the flesh. The word in the Originall is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which sometimes is rendred the desire, or affection; sometimes mind or meaning; sometimes wisdome: and in all these senses that which the Apostle here calleth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is death; that is, tendeth to death, or bringeth death: as on the contrary, the desire, affections, and wisdome of the spirit are life, and peace; that is, tend to life, and procure our peace.

to be spiritually minded] Gr. the minding of the spirit. or, wisdome of the spirit.

Romans 8:7

the carnall mind is enmitie against God] Gr. the minding of the flesh. or, wisdome of the flesh.

Romans 8:8

they that are in the flesh] The Apostle here by this phrase meaneth not those that are married, as Siricius the Pope absurdly interpreted this Scripture, and wrested it to the disparagement of holy wedlock in the Clergie: nor doth he thereby understand all that are clothed with flesh: for then no men upon earth should please God; but to be in the flesh, and to be after the flesh, and to warre, and walke after the flesh, signifie one and the same thing; to remain still in our carnall estate, and to be led by the motions and lusts of the flesh. Those that are so led, till God give them a better guide, and deliver them out of their corrupt estate by nature, cannot please God.

Now if] Gr. But if.

Romans 8:10

if Christ be in you] He confirmeth the faithfull against the reliques of flesh and sinne, granting that they are yet (as appeareth by the corruption which is in them) touching one of their parts which he calleth the body, an impure lump, which is not yet purged from earthly filthinesse and death: but therewithall willing them to doubt nothing of the happy successe of this combate, because that even this little sparke of the Spirit, that is, of the grace of regeneration, which appeareth to be in them by the fruits of righteousnesse, is the seed of life, 1 John 3:9.

because of sinne] Gr. for sinne.

because of righteousnesse] Gr. for righteousnesse.

Romans 8:11

shall quicken your mortall bodies] He speaketh either of the resurrection from death, or regeneration. For although the work of the Spirit quickning us be principally wrought and felt in our soul: yet the vertue of it is derived also into our body, as the instrument of our soul. Therefore the Apostle exhorteth, Chap. 12. vers. 1. That we give up our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God Chap. 6. vers. 12.

by his Spirit] Or, because of his Spirit.

Romans 8:12

We are debters] Here followeth an exhortation to subdue the flesh daily more and more, by the vertue of the Spirit of regeneration; because, saith he, you are debters unto God for so much as you have received so many benefits from him.

Romans 8:15

ye have not received the spirit of bondage] He declareth and expoundeth by the way in these two verses, by what right this style to be called children of God is given to beleevers: because, saith he, they have received the grace of the Gospel; wherein God sheweth himself not as before in publishing of the law terrible and fearfull, but a most benigne and loving father in Christ: so that with great boldnesse we call him Father, the holy Ghost sealing this adoption in our hearts by faith. By the spirit of bondage he meaneth the operation of the Spirit of God by the law, which doth cast down and affright the hearts of men by the dreadfull threatnings against transgressors; as we see in the Israelites when God did proclaime the Law of the Tenne Commandements in their hearing upon the Mount, Exodus 20:19. which the Apostle hath an eye unto here, as likewise Heb. 12. 18, 19.

The spirit of adoption] Galatians 4:6. By the spirit of adoption, he understandeth the gracious operation of the holy Ghost by the preaching of the Gospell, which quickens the heart of true beleevers, and assureth them of their adoption.

whereby we cry] Gr. in whom, or, in that we cry. With an holy boldnesse, sweetly and tenderly calling on our heavenly Father, and importuning him as his children.

Abba, Father] Abba signifieth Father in the Syriack tongue, and the Apostle kept it of purpose, it being a word implying much tendernesse and affection; it being also used by children almost in all languages, when they begin to speake: and he joyneth here the word, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, father, unto it, not onely to explaine the former word, but also the better to expresse the eager and earnest and vehement desire and affection of the faithfull in their calling upon God, as Christ himself redoubled the word Father to the same purpose, Mark 14:36. he said Abba, Father, &c. and on the Crosse likewise, he doubled the words, my God, my God. The Syriack interpreter translateth Abba, our Father, and a learned interpreter truly noteth, that sometimes the Article: which is here prefixed to Father, hath the power and signification of an Affixe, and if it be so, then it should seeme the Apostle here alludeth to our compellation of God in the Lords Prayer. Our Father, &c.

Romans 8:16

beareth witnesse with our spirit] The holy Ghost doth not only stirre us up to call upon God as our father, but doth also seal unto our hearts, that we are truly his children: thus the Spirit testifieth to our spirit; (as some render the words) but if we translate them, beareth witnesse with our spirit, the meaning is, that the Spirit witnesseth together with our own spirit, which doth likewise help to beare witnesse by observing the proper marks of Gods adoption, which our spirit findeth in our selves by the Spirit of God. This witnesse though it be not alwayes alike evident and powerfull in true beleevers, yet it doth oftentimes manifest it self, even when they are in their lowest estate and greatest extremitie.

Romans 8:17

then heires] Partakers of our fathers goods, and having a right to his kingdome, and that freely, because we are his children by adoption and grace.

if so be that we suffer with him] Now Saint Paul teacheth, by what way the sonnes of God come to that felicitie, to wit, by the crosse, as Christ himself did, and therewithall openeth unto them three fountains of comfort: the first, that we have Christ a companion and fellow of our afflictions: the second that we shall be his fellows also, and co-heirs with him in everlasting glory: the third, that this glory we looke for, doth a thousand parts surmount the misery of our present affliction.

Romans 8:18

For I reckon] Gr. Tec. but I reckon or count.

that the sufferings of this present time] Word for word, according to the Greeke, of this now season. Whereby the Apostle intimates two things: first, that our tribulations and afflictions last but for a 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, a moment in comparison: secondly, that now, that is, this present life is the proper season and opportune time, to lay out for a crown of celestiall glory.

are not worthy to be compared] Holdeth no proportion or correspondency with the reward, neither in respect of the dignitie and worth, nor in respect of the time: and if the sufferings of Martyrs fall thus short, how much more the best actions of Saints?

with the glory] Gr. are not worthy to the glory.

shall be revealed in us] It is now partly in us, but hid, and therefore he saith, shall be revealed. For now our life is hid with Christ in God, but when Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory.

Romans 8:19

earnest expectation of the creature] Gr. the looking out, or, putting forth of the head. By the creature, he understandeth the world; and the singular number which he useth, implyeth the unitie thereof: and the doctrine which he delivereth from this verse to the 23. concerning the world is, that as the world was not at the beginning in that state which now it is, but by the sinne of man came to be subject to a vanishing and flitting estate; so it shall at length be restored with the elect, to a more stable and glorious estate.

manifestation of the sonnes of God] The word, manifestation, is not here taken actively, but passively, that is, the creature waiteth for the time when the sonnes of God shall be manifested, and their glorious and happy estate, to which those words of Saint John have a reference, 1 John 3:2. Behold, now we are the sonnes of God, and it doth not yet appear, what we shall be, but we know when he shall appear we shall be like him.

Romans 8:20

not willingly, but by reason of him] Not by their naturall inclination, but in obedience to the Creators command, whom it pleased to shew by their fickle estate, how greatly he was displeased with man for his disobedience.

subjected the same in hope] Or, upon hope. That which before he called the expectation, he here tearmeth the hope, for hope is an earnest expectation of a thing: and it is called so in this place, for that God had promised an universall deliverance of the creature from the corruption and abuse of man, which the angels and blessed souls do long for, Revelation 6:10. and the rest of the creatures seeme to have a naturall instinct or inclination thereunto, which in the next verse save one is by a metaphor called a groaning and travelling in pain. The ground of this hope or expectation of the creature is, that having by reason of the fall of man suffered for part of his malediction, when it shall come to passe at the last day, that man shall be compleatly restored to grace again, then all the steps and traces of that malediction shall be utterly rased out of the world, as is declared, Esa. 51. 16. & 65. 17. & 66. 22.

Romans 8:21

delivered from the bondage of corruption] Shall be subject no more to any such alteration or corruption as now it is; much lesse to serve for the object and instrument of sinne: but according to every ones degree and nature, shall partake of the glorious estate of the children of God; and be fully delivered from all vanitie and evils.

into the glorious libertie] Gr. into the libertie of the glory.

Romans 8:22

For we know] Gr. Tec. but, or now we know.

the whole creation] Or, every creature.

travelleth in pain] This elegant metaphor expresseth, not only the exceeding sorrow of the creature, but the fruit also that followeth after it. For albeit the world doth seeme for the present to be even at the height of its splendor and becautie, yet there lies that evill upon it which doth presse it down, and sinke it into perdition, and that is sinne, whereof it doth strive and struggle to the utmost to ease and disburden it self, as it were, much like unto a woman in travell.

Romans 8:23

waiting for the adoption] That is, the full manifestation and effect of our adoption, the possession and fruition of the inheritance which is promised to us in our adoption.

redemption of our body] See Luke 21:28. That is, the freedome thereof, not only from the miseries which they are subject unto in this life, but also from the power of death and corruption: and in this sense our Saviour taketh the word redemption in those his gracious and comfortable speeches to the faithfull, when he treateth of the dissolution of the world. When these things come to passe, lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh, Luke 24:28.

Romans 8:24

For we are saved by hope] Hope is necessarily joyned with faith. Seeing then that we beleeve those things which we are not yet in possession of, and hope expecteth not the thing that is present but future, we must therefore patiently wait for that which we beleeve shall come to passe.

But hope that is seen, is not hope] As the object of faith is often tearmed faith; so here by a metonomy, the object of hope is tearmed hope: hope, that is, the thing hoped for, the possession of our heavenly inheritance, Colossians 1:5.

Romans 8:26

Likewise the Spirit] There is no cause why we should faint under the burden of affliction, seeing that prayer ministreth unto us a present and most sure help which cannot be frustrate, seeing it proceeds from the Spirit of God which dwelleth in us.

helpeth] The Greeke word, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, doth properly imply such a help, as when another man of strength and abilitie steppeth in to sustaine the burden that lyeth upon our shoulders, setting his shoulders under it, to lift it up and beare part of it with us.

our infirmities] Gr. Tec. Infirmitie. Which we are yet subject unto; especially under the crosse, and in afflictions, both in regard of our spirit which is apt to murmure, as we see in Job and David, and of our flesh also which is most tender and fraile. If we reade according to Teel. edition, infirmitie in the singular number, then the meaning seemeth to be this, the Spirit helpeth our weaknesse and unabilitie to pray as we ought, assisting us by his holy inspiration, both with powerfull and effectuall words, and sighes and grones also that cannot be expressed.

maketh intercession] Provoketh us to prayers, and telleth us as it were within, what we shall say, and how we shall grone. The Sonne doth properly make intercession for us, who is our Advocate with the Father, 1 John 2:11. yet by a figure, the holy Ghost is said to make intercession for us also; because he rowseth and stirreth us up to prayer, and prompteth, as it were, our lesson unto us, how we ought to pray in all our necessities, John 16:13. Galatians 4:6.

with gronings which cannot be uttered] That is, whose fervencie, force and fficacie proceeding from the supernaturall motion of the Spirit none is able to conceive or expresse. Others read [without speaking] that is, whose vertue and excellency doth not consist in the number and flourish of words, as the prayers of hypocrites, Matthew 6:7. but in most lively feelings, pangs and prickings of the spirit.

Romans 8:27

And he] Gr. But he.

minde of the spirit] Or, meaning. That is, what sobs and sighes proceed from the instinct of the spirit, and what the spirit meaneth by those sighes and grones.

because] Or, that.

for the saints] Though the remaines of sinne cleave so fast to the best of Gods children, that they cannot utterly shake them off; yet they are here termed saints, partly in regard of their sincere and unfained desie of sanctity, and earnestly striving for it; partly in regard of Gods gracious acceptance, who taketh the will for the deed, and out of his infinite mercy in Christ, accounteth them for saints, by not imputing their sinnes unto them. Revelation 8:3. Psalms 32:1. See Romans 1:7.

according to the will of God] That is, praying for such things, and in such a manner as God requireth and alloweth. 1 John 5:14.

Romans 8:28

And we] Gr. But we.

know] That we are not afflicted either by chance, or to our harme, but by Gods providence for our great profit, who as he chose us from the beginning, so hath he predestinated us to be made like to the image of his Sonne, and therefore will bring us in his time, being called and justified, to glory by the crosse. Hebrews 12:10.

that all things work together for good] Gr. Tec. that God worketh or maketh all things work together for good.

according to his purpose] Or, decree. He calleth that purpose which God hath from everlasting appointed with himself, according to his good will and pleasure. Matthew 11:26. Ephesians 1:11. 2 Timothy 1:9.

Romans 8:29

For whom] Here he proveth by a Sorites or golden chaine, the glorification of Gods children, no link whereof can be unclinched, because the fastning thereof is the work of Gods omnipotence.

he did foreknow] For his own, as the word is taken, John 10:14; John 10:27. those whom he marked out as it were out of all other men in the world, and set his affection upon. Psalms 1:6. Jeremiah 1:5. Matthew 7:23.

he also did predestinate] Ordained to conformitie, both in grace and glory, with his Sonne their head, not onely in their sufferings, but also in their sanctification and glorification.

that he might be the first-born] Intending that his own Sonne should have many adopted brethren, of whom he might be the head, as the first-born was wont to be in all families. Coloss. 1. 15, 18.

Romans 8:30

Moreover] Gr. But, or, And.

them he also called] To the obedience of faith, by the outward preaching of the Word, and the inward and effectuall operation of the Spirit.

them he also glorified] That is, will certainly and infallibly glorifie them; the cause, ground and pledge whereof is, the glorification of Christ our head already obtained.

Romans 8:31

What shall we then say] We have no cause to fear that God will not give us whatsoever is profitable for us, seeing that he hath not spared his own Son to save us.

Romans 8:33

Who shall lay any thing to the charge] A most comfortable conclusion of the whole second part of this Epistle, that is of the Treatise of justification. There are no accusers that we have need to be afraid of before God, seeing that God himself absolveth us as just, and therefore much lesse need we fear damnation, seeing that we rest upon the death, and resurrection, and the Almighty power of Jesus Christ. Therefore what can there be of so great moment in this life, or of so great force and power, that might affright us, as though we might fall from the love of God wherewith he loveth us in Christ? Surely nothing, seeing that it is in it self most constant and sure, and also to us, being confirmed by stedfast faith.

Romans 8:34

Christ that died] Gr. Tec. Christ Jesus that died.

even at the right] Gr. in the right.

Romans 8:35

tribulation] Or, affliction.

Romans 8:36

For thy sake, &c.] Psalms 44:22.

for the slaughter] Gr. of the slaughter.

Romans 8:37

Nay in all] Gr. But, or, Neverthelesse in all.

Romans 8:38

nor Angels, &c.] Under the name of Angels he also comprehendeth Archangels; and by principalities and powers, those that are in the highest places of authoritie, and have greatest power upon earth, as Kings in peace, and Commanders in warre.

from the love of God] The words may bear either of these constructions, Nothing can separate us from the love which God beareth to us, or we bear to him in Christ Jesus: but this latter seemeth better to agree with the Antecedents, For thy sake are we killed, &c.