Romans 8:18-21

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 8:17-25

In these words the apostle describes a fourth illustrious branch of the happiness of believers, namely, a title to the future glory. This is fitly annexed to our sonship; for as the adoption of sons entitles us to that glory, so the disposition of sons fits and prepares us for it. If children, then heirs, Rom. 8:17. In earthly inheritances this rule does not hold, only the first-born are heirs; but the church is a church of first-born, for they are all heirs. Heaven is an inheritance that all... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 8:18-25

8:18-25 For I am convinced that the sufferings of this present age cannot be compared with the glory which is destined to be disclosed to us. The created world awaits with eager expectation the day when those who are the sons of God will be displayed in all their glory. For the created world has been subjected to chaos, not because of its own choice, but through him who passed the sentence of such subjugation upon it, and yet it still has the hope that the created world also will be liberated... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 8:18

For I reckon, that the sufferings of this present time ,.... By "this present time" may be meant, the then present age, in which the apostle lived; which was an age in which the people of God suffered much, as was foretold by Christ, and which was necessary for the confirmation of the Gospel; for grace and strength answerable to their trials were given them; and the power of God was visibly to be seen in the supporting of them; though this was not the only suffering age: wherefore by the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 8:19

For the earnest expectation of the creature ,.... Some by the creature understand the universe, all created beings animate and inanimate, which having suffered much by the sin of man, are introduced by a rhetorical figure, as waiting for deliverance and a restoration to their paradisiacal estate; but some part of the world is manifestly distinguished from them, Romans 8:23 , others think that angels are here meant, who being obliged to minister to sinful men, are represented as groaning... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 8:20

For the creature was made subject to vanity ,.... This designs the vanity and emptiness of the minds of the Gentiles, who were without God and Christ, and the Holy Spirit, without the law and Gospel, and grace of God; also the vain conceits they had of themselves, of their wisdom, knowledge, learning, and eloquence; likewise their vain philosophy, particularly their gross idolatry, their polytheism, or worshipping of many gods; together with their divers lusts and vices, to which they were... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 8:21

Because the creature itself also ,.... The phrase in hope, which stands in our version, at the end of the preceding verse, should be placed in the beginning of this, and be read in connection with Romans 8:19 being a parenthesis, thus: "the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God, in hope that the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption"; and so it is placed in some copies, and in the Syriac version: that is, "the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 8:18

For I reckon that the sufferings, etc. - If the glory that is to be revealed be the enjoyment of God himself, (see above, Romans 8:17 ; (note)), then the sufferings of this life, which, when compared with eternity, are but as for a moment, are not worthy to be put in competition with this glory which shall be revealed in us. This case is perfectly clear. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 8:19

For the earnest expectation of the creature - There is considerable difficulty in this and the four following verses: and the difficulty lies chiefly in the meaning of the word ἡ κτισις , which we translate the creature, and creation. Some think that by it the brute creation is meant; others apply it to the Jewish people; others to the godly; others to the Gentiles; others to the good angels; and others to the fallen spirits, both angelic and human. Dissertations without end have been... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 8:20

For the creature was made subject to vanity - The Gentile world were subject to vanity of mind; but how? not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same. May we not say, it became vain willingly, but was made subject to vanity unwillingly? For, let us recur to the origin of Gentilism, the confusion of languages, by reason of the attempt to build the tower of Babel; and though there are some passages in the gloss of the Targumists upon this matter that are sufficiently... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 8:21

Because the creature - This and the preceding verse should be thus connected: in hope That ( ὁτι ) the creature itself also shall be delivered. The word φθορα denotes, very frequently, sinful corruption. So, 2 Peter 1:4 ; : Corruption through lust, της εν επιθυμια φθορας . 2 Corinthians 11:3 ; : Lest your minds should be corrupted. 1 Corinthians 15:33 ; : Evil communications corrupt good manners. The sense, therefore, of the apostle in this place seems to be: the Gentile world... read more

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