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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Romans 8
Verse Commentaries:
Chapter Level Commentary:
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary ,which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
A. This chapter is the climax of Paul's argument begun in Rom_1:18. It starts with "no condemnation" (legal standing) and ends with "no separation" (personal fellowship). Theologically, it moves from justification through sanctification to glorification (cf. Rom_8:29-30).
B. This is Paul's theological development of God's giving of His Spirit to believers (cf. John's presentation in Joh_14:12-31; Joh_16:7-16). The Spirit is the agent of the passive verb in Rom_8:14 that relates to the gospel becoming active in the lives of fallen humans. The Spirit will abide with them and in them and will begin to form Christ in them. Romans 8 uses the term spirit, pneuma, over 21 times while it is totally absent in Romans 7 (as well as Romans 3-6 and occurs only three times in Romans 1-2; it is difficult to be certain when pneuma refers to the human spirit or the Holy Spirit).
C. In life there are two perspectives (personal worldviews), two lifestyles, two priorities, two paths (the broad way and the narrow way) that humans follow, here flesh or Spirit. One leads to death; the other to life. This has traditionally been called "the two ways" of OT wisdom literature (cf. Psalms 1 and Pro_4:10-19). Eternal life, Spirit life, has observable characteristics (i.e., after the flesh vs. after the Spirit).
Notice Satan's obvious absence in this entire theological context (cf. Romans 1-8). He is not mentioned in Romans until Rom_16:20. It is mankind's fallen Adamic nature that is in focus. This was Paul's way of removing fallen mankind's excuse (i.e., "the Devil made me do it!") of supernatural temptation for their rebellion against God. Mankind is responsible!
D. This chapter is very hard to outline because the thought is developed by weaving several threads of truth together in recurring patterns, but without contextual units.
E. Rom_8:12-17 inform the believer about a confident faith assurance
1. The first is a changed worldview and life style accomplished through the Spirit.
2. The second is that our fear of God has been replaced by a sense of family love by the Spirit.
3. The third is an internal confirmation of our sonship by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
4. The fourth is that this confirmation is even sure in the midst of this fallen world's problems and struggles.
F. Rom_8:31-39 are a court scene, which is a typical literary technique of OT prophets. God is the Judge; Satan is the prosecutor; Jesus is the defense lawyer (paraclete); the angels are the spectators; and believing humanity is under Satanic accusations (i.e., Job 1-2; Zechariah 3).
1. legal terms
a. against us (Rom_8:31)
b. a charge (Rom_8:33)
c. justifies (Rom_8:33)
d. condemns (Rom_8:34)
e. intercedes (Rom_8:34)
2. prosecution, "who" (Rom_8:31; Rom_8:33-34 [thrice],35)
3. God's provision in Christ (Rom_8:32; Rom_8:34 b)
4. no separation from God
a. earthly circumstances (Rom_8:35)
b. OT quote from Psa_44:22 (Rom_8:36)
c. victory (Rom_8:37; Rom_8:39)
d. supernatural circumstances or agents (Rom_8:37-39)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. How is Romans 8 related to Romans 7?
2. If there is no condemnation, what does sin affect in the life of the believer?
3. Does the Spirit or Jesus indwell believers (Rom_8:9)?
4. How was nature affected by man's sin (Rom_8:19-22)? Will nature be a part of heaven (cf. Isa_11:6-10)?
5. How does the Spirit pray for us (Rom_8:26-27)? Does this refer to "speaking in tongues?"
6. How can the Bible say all things work for good in such an evil world (Rom_8:28)? Define "good" (Rom_8:29).
7. Why is sanctification left out of the chain of theological events in Rom_8:30?
8. Why are Rom_8:31-39 said to be a court scene?
9. List the four things Rom_8:34 asserts about Jesus.