What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Read it in contextConfidence in God's love
Start reading at Romans 8:31 (Romans 8:31 to Romans 8:39).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The closing questions answer accusation, condemnation, and hardship with God's love in Christ. Read this assurance with the audience and conditions already stated.
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 topic of this reading unit? Confidence in God's love. Read Romans 8:31 through Romans 8:39 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The closing questions answer accusation, condemnation, and hardship with God's love in Christ. Read this assurance with the audience and conditions already stated. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul writes while planning further travel, including a visit to Rome. The letter does not supply a modern calendar date; reconstructions depend on comparing its travel notices with other texts. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The addressees are at Rome. Paul discusses other locations and travel plans, while the letter itself does not directly name the city where he is writing. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Confidence in God's love (Romans 8:31 to Romans 8:39).
Start reading at Romans 8:31. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter explains the gospel of Jesus Christ, baptism into His death, life in the Spirit, and hope of glory. Promises in Romans 8 address those in Christ and stand with the chapter's stated conditions. See Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Read the argument as a connected appeal to an addressed church. Keep obedience, continuing in God's goodness, and warnings against presumption visible when speaking of grace, inheritance, and assurance. 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.