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Romans 8

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What does Romans 8:25 mean?

Explanation

In Romans 8:25, the apostle Paul is communicating the essence of Christian hope to the believers in Rome.

The verse sits within a broader context where Paul discusses the sufferings of the present time and the future glory that believers await.

The literal meaning denotes that Christians are to hope for something that is not currently seen or experienced, suggesting that the object of hope is not present.

The deeper meaning pertains to the virtue of patience in the Christian life and the assurance in the promises of God for the future.

The 'hope' referred to is the complete redemption and the realization of God's kingdom for which Christians await with endurance, trusting in God's faithfulness.

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Historical Context

Romans 8:25 was written by Paul in approximately 57 A.D.

This epistle was intended for the Christian church in Rome which comprised both Jewish and Gentile believers.

Paul's letter addressed the challenges the early church faced regarding suffering, the law, and the implications of the new covenant under Jesus Christ.

The historical context includes the anticipation of Christ's return and the early Christians' understanding that they lived in an 'already but not yet' state where salvation was assured through Christ, yet the fullness of this salvation was to come.

Theological Insights

The verse speaks to the eschatological hope that has been fundamental to Christian theology.

Various Christian traditions interpret this hope slightly differently.

Catholic theology, underpinned by teachings like those of Thomas Aquinas, often focuses on the beatific vision, the ultimate direct self-communication of God to the individual person.

Protestant theology, particularly in Reformed traditions, might emphasize the doctrine of justification by faith and the assurance of hope founded in God's sovereign grace.

Pentecostal and charismatic interpretations might see this hope as tied to the power of the Holy Spirit active in believers as they await Christ's return.

Practical Applications

Romans 8:25 encourages believers to exhibit patience and steadfastness in the face of adversity, uncertainty, or delay.

The application of this verse in daily life involves:

Cultivating a hopeful outlook despite current circumstances.
Being patient in trials, trusting in God's timing and promises.
Maintaining faith in things that are yet to come, although they are not visible.

Cross-References

Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
2 Corinthians 4:18 - "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."
James 5:7-8 - "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.

Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek language of this verse include:

"Hope" (elpis) implies a forward-looking and confident expectation.
"See" (blepo) refers to physical sight or perception.
"Wait" (apekdechomai) suggests an active, earnest expectation.

This verse emphasizes hope that goes beyond what is currently visible, creating an expectation for something greater to come.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of hope in things unseen can be paralleled with various religious and philosophical notions.

In Buddhism, there is an emphasis on detachment from the present reality to reach enlightenment.

In Greek mythology, hope (as Elpis) was often considered the last attribute to remain, offering humans the ability to endure.

The Stoic philosophy similarly emphasizes endurance through hardships without complaint, which has connections to the Christian call for patience.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, hope and patience can be interpreted within psychological frameworks.

Psychological studies have shown that hope plays a critical role in coping with life stressors and can significantly affect mental health outcomes.

Similarly, the practice of patience is linked to lower levels of stress and better overall well-being.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians highlight themes in this verse:

John Stott, an Anglican cleric, emphasizes the future orientation of Christian hope, focusing on the unseen spiritual realities that are grounded in Christ.
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Bruce, a Biblical scholar, points out that hope and patience are closely connected in Pauline thought, with patience being the virtue that sustains hope.

Wright, a New Testament historian, often speaks of the 'already but not yet' tension that this verse encompasses, suggesting that Christians live within a narrative that is awaiting its completion.

Romans 8

Romans 8

What does Romans 8:25 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Romans 8:25 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?