There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Read it in contextThe Life in the Spirit and God's Unfailing Love
Start reading at Romans 8:1 (Romans 8:1 to Romans 8:39).
Romans chapter 8 is a distinct and cohesive theological unit that elaborates on the believer's new life in the Holy Spirit, freedom from sin and the law, adoption, and the ultimate security and glorification of those in Christ, building upon the themes of justification and sanctification from previous chapters.
8:1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
8:2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
8:3For 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:
8:4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
8:5For 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.
8:6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
8:7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8:8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
8:9But 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.
8:10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
8:11But 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.
8:12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
8:13For 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.
8:14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
8:15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
8:16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
8:17And 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.
8:18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
8:19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
8:20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
8:21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
8:22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
8:23And 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.
8:24For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
8:25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
8:26Likewise 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.
8:27And 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.
8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
8:29For 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.
8:30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
8:31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
8:32He 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?
8:33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
8:34Who 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.
8:35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
8:36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
8:37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
8:38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
8:39Nor 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.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 6:1–8:39): Paul addresses believers in Rome, speaking of their baptism into Jesus Christ and life in the Spirit. These instructions and promises belong to his argument for people who belong to Christ. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the believer's freedom from condemnation and the law of sin and death through Christ Jesus and the indwelling Holy Spirit, leading to a life of righteousness, adoption as sons of God, and ultimate glorification.
What is God revealing? God is revealing that through His Son, Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are justified, freed from the power of sin, adopted into His family, and secured in His love, with a future hope of glorification.
What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle, characterized by theological exposition, didactic teaching, and logical argumentation.
When
When was it written? Approximately A.D. 57.
When does the event take place? The declaration of "no condemnation" is a present reality for those in Christ Jesus, and the walk after the Spirit is an ongoing experience for believers in their daily lives.
Where
Where did it happen? The theological truths presented apply universally to believers wherever they are.
Where was the author located? Corinth.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Life in the Spirit and God's Unfailing Love (Romans 8:1 to Romans 8:39).
Start reading at Romans 8:1. Romans chapter 8 is a distinct and cohesive theological unit that elaborates on the believer's new life in the Holy Spirit, freedom from sin and the law, adoption, and the ultimate security and glorification of those in Christ, building upon the themes of justification and sanctification from previous chapters.
How
How does it fit the broader context? Romans 8:1 serves as a triumphant conclusion to the preceding chapters (especially 6 and 7) which dealt with the believer's struggle against sin and the inability of the Law to provide righteousness. It introduces the solution and power found in the Holy Spirit, setting the stage for the rest of chapter 8's exposition on the Spirit-filled life, adoption, and ultimate glorification. interpretation
How does it point to Christ? The "no condemnation" is explicitly "to them which are in Christ Jesus." Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection are the foundation for this freedom, as He condemned sin in the flesh (Romans 8:3), died, rose again, and intercedes for believers (Romans 8:34). Believers are "joint-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17) and nothing can separate them from "the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:39). stated in the text
How do I apply it today? Believers today can live with assurance, knowing that they are fully justified and free from the penalty of sin. They are called to actively "walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Romans 8:1, 8:4), relying on the Holy Spirit's power to mortify the deeds of the body (Romans 8:13) and live a life pleasing to God, confident in their adoption and future glorification. interpretation
Connection to the wholePaul begins with those in Christ Jesus who walk after the Spirit. He contrasts flesh and Spirit, connecting the indwelling Spirit with life and the future quickening of believers’ mortal bodies.
Connection to the wholePaul connects being led by the Spirit with sonship and speaks of suffering with Christ and sharing His glory. Creation groans; believers await bodily redemption; the Spirit intercedes for the saints.
Connection to the wholePaul speaks of good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. He describes being conformed to the image of His Son and connects foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification.
Connection to the wholePaul closes with questions about accusation, condemnation, and separation. He assures the believers he addresses that the hardships and powers he names cannot separate them from God’s love in Christ Jesus.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Auto-generated or draft outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.