Verse
Context
Future Glory
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time.23Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.24For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see?
Sermons
Martyn-Lloyd Jones
David Wilkerson
J. Vernon McGee
Bob Jennings
William MacDonald
George Jeffreys
Paul RavenhillSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And not only they, but ourselves also - Neither the Gentiles only, but we Jews also, (however we belong to a nation envious of the heathen), to whom God hath granted the first fruits of the Spirit; we sigh among ourselves for their sakes, waiting for the adoption; that is, the redemption of our mystical body, whereof the Gentiles make a very great part. Lightfoot's works. vol. ii. p. 359 and 707. The scope and design of St. Paul in these verses may be thus summed up: - The apostle shows that the whole creation is in a suffering state, into which it has been brought by the disobedience of one man, Adam; therefore, it was made subject to vanity - pain, sickness, and death; not willingly, for mankind had no part in that transgression which "brought death into the world and all our wo;" but God subjected the whole, purposing to afford them a deliverance and infusing into every heart a hope that a more auspicious era should take place; and it is through the influence of this hope, which every man possesses, that the present ills are so patiently borne, because all are expecting better days. The great deliverer is the Messiah, and the Gospel days the auspicious era which God intended to bring forward. They who believe in Christ with a heart unto righteousness are freed from the bondage of their sinful corruption, and brought into the glorious liberty of the sons of God; and they look forward with joyous expectation, waiting for the general resurrection, when their bodies also shall be redeemed from corruption, and the whole man, body and soul, be adopted into the family of heaven Above, as their souls had been previously adopted into the family of faith Below. And although it may be said that the redemption provided by the Gospel can not be an object of hope to those who have never heard of it; yet, as every man has hope, and this hope is inspired by God for this very purpose; that it may be the means of supporting them in the ills of life, and God, in inspiring it, had respect to the glorious state of Christianity, therefore it is this state, in effect, that the whole creation are longing for. So Jesus Christ is said, by the Prophet Haggai, Hag 2:7, to be the desire of all nations; and yet not one of the nations of the earth had, at that time, heard of him. And thus, as Dr. Whitby has very properly remarked, "desire and expectation are ascribed to creatures, in reference to things they want, and which tend to their advantage; notwithstanding they explicitly know nothing of them."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And not only they, but ourselves also--or "not only [so], but even we ourselves"--that is, besides the inanimate creation. which have the first-fruits of the Spirit--or, "the Spirit as the first-fruits" of our full redemption (compare Co2 1:22), moulding the heart to a heavenly frame and attempering it to its future element. even we ourselves--though we have so much of heaven already within us. groan within ourselves--under this "body of sin and death," and under the manifold "vanity and vexation of spirit" that are written upon every object and every pursuit and every enjoyment under the sun. waiting for the--manifestation of our adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body--from the grave: "not (be it observed) the deliverance of ourselves from the body, but the redemption of the body itself from the grave" [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And not only they, but ourselves also,.... Not only they Gentiles, but we Jews likewise: which have the firstfruits of the Spirit: meaning either the apostles, who were all Jews, and who most of them received the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit on the day of "Pentecost", which was the day of the firstfruits, Num 28:26; and to which there seems to be an allusion here; or else the Jewish converts in general: to the Jews the promises of the Messiah were made; to them he first came; the Gospel was first preached unto them, and some of them first believed in Christ; they had the grace of God communicated to them in conversion, which they received as the firstfruits, with respect to an after increase; or in regard to glory, like the firstfruits, grace is of the same kind with glory, and is a pledge and earnest of it; saints judge by grace the firstfruits, what glory is, and therefore long after it; now of these persons thus described it is said, even we ourselves groan within ourselves; their groans were inward from their hearts, not hypocritical or were among themselves, common to them all; and that not merely on their own account, the corruptions of their hearts, the sufferings they endured for the sake of the Gospel, and in a longing expectation for the heavenly glory, but also for the conversion of the Gentiles, for which they incessantly laboured, and prayed night and day; waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. Adoption is explained by the redemption of the body; and by the one may be known what the other means: by "the redemption of our body" is not meant the redemption of God's elect, body and soul, by the blood and death of Christ, which was already finished; and which the saints, who had received the firstfruits, were partakers of in themselves, and therefore could not be said to be waiting for it: but it designs either the redemption of the natural body, by the resurrection from the dead; when the bodies of the saints will be delivered from that mortality, corruption, weakness, and dishonour, under which they lie in the grave; when they will be refined and spiritualized, and freed from everything which makes them an incumbrance, and an uneasiness to their souls or spirits now; or else the redemption of the mystical body the church, of which the Gentiles make a considerable part, and is to be understood of a deliverance of the church, from the distresses and persecutions it then laboured under; or rather of a making up of the body, the church, by a redemption or deliverance of that part of it, which lay among the Gentiles, from that vanity and bondage of corruption, to which it was subject, into the manifestation and glorious liberty of the sons of God: and then by "adoption" is meant, the special grace of adoption, manifested to the Gentiles in their effectual calling; which the Jews who had received the firstfruits of the Spirit were waiting for, and had good reason to expect, from many prophecies in the writings of the Old Testament; and to which they were the more encouraged, by many appearances of the grace and power of God, attending the ministry of the Gospel among them; and which adoption will be more fully manifested in the resurrection morn; wherefore also the inheritance, which the whole mystical body the church will then enter upon the possession of, may well be called "the adoption", because the saints are adopted to it; adoption gives them the title to it, none but adopted ones will enjoy it; and their enjoyment of it will be the full manifestation and completion of the grace of adoption; this saints are waiting for, both for themselves and others, and it is worth waiting for; for it is "an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, which fades not away, reserved in the heavens", Pe1 1:4, and there is good ground to wait for it; it is a bequest of their heavenly Father, who has adopted them; it is a gift of his free grace; it is already in the hands of Christ, with whom they are co-heirs; and they have already the Spirit, as the earnest of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:23 we believers also groan: “Groaning” expresses a frustrated longing for God’s deliverance from the difficulties and oppression of this life (see Exod 3:7; Lam 1:22; Ezek 24:17; 2 Cor 5:2). • we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory (literally we have the first harvest of the Spirit): In the Old Testament, the phrase first harvest or firstfruits often describes the offering of the first and best part of a harvest to God (see Exod 23:19; Lev 2:12; 23:10; cp. 1 Cor 15:20, 23). The Holy Spirit is God’s pledge that he will see his work in us through to its conclusion (see Eph 1:14). • Although we have already been adopted by God as his children, the full rights of that adoption—our inheritance (see Rom 8:17)—are not yet ours. In this life, Christians live in tension between the “already” of redemption and the “not yet” of the glory to be revealed.
Future Glory
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time.23Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.24For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see?
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Not in Word Only
By Martyn-Lloyd Jones5.4K54:55PowerMAT 6:33ROM 8:231TH 1:31TH 1:82PE 3:13REV 20:10In this sermon, the preacher uses a story of a man climbing a mountain to illustrate the journey of seeking and experiencing the glory of God. The preacher emphasizes the need for the pulpit to effectively communicate the gospel message, but also highlights the importance of the lives of Christians in verifying the truth of the message. The sermon then focuses on the person of Jesus Christ, describing his miraculous deeds, teachings, and his role in bringing transformation to people's lives. The preacher concludes by urging the congregation to give their preachers time to proclaim the gospel, as these profound truths cannot be adequately conveyed in just a few minutes.
Heaven
By David Wilkerson5.3K41:13HeavenMAT 6:33ACT 2:1ROM 8:23In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of heaven and what it will be like. He emphasizes that in heaven, there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or mourning. Time will also cease to exist, and there will be no measurement of it. The preacher encourages the audience to earnestly desire heaven and their new bodies, and reminds them that only those who are redeemed by the finished work of the cross will go to heaven.
(Guidelines) in What Way Is the Bible Unique
By J. Vernon McGee3.2K14:052TI 3:16GEN 1:1PSA 119:105MAT 6:33JHN 4:6ROM 8:231CO 2:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of interpreting the Bible correctly. They acknowledge that there are many different interpretations of the Bible, but express the hope that there will be perfect agreement in God's presence. The speaker describes the Bible as a book that can communicate a life to its readers and can lead them to become children of God. They also highlight the dual nature of the Bible, as both a divine and human book, comparing it to Jesus who was both God and man. The speaker concludes by encouraging the audience to read the Bible and appreciate its uniqueness and thrilling story.
Bought With the Precious Blood of Christ
By Bob Jennings2.0K08:16ACT 20:28ROM 8:231CO 6:201PE 1:18REV 5:9
This sermon emphasizes the call to surrender our entire being as a living sacrifice to God, highlighting the profound motivation of being bought with a price, specifically the precious blood of Christ. It delves into the incomprehensible sacrifice of God sending His Son, Jesus, to die for us, showcasing the depth of love and redemption through Christ's payment for our sins. The message underscores the significance of understanding and embracing the personal nature of Christ's sacrifice for each individual.
The Christians Body-Three Stages
By William MacDonald1.2K44:32BodyPSA 139:14ISA 55:8MRK 14:22ROM 8:232CO 5:1EPH 2:7REV 21:4In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a man named Dave who was saved during the breaking of bread. Dave's emotional response to the bread being passed led him to stand up and speak, expressing his gratitude for the prayers of the congregation and his wife. The speaker emphasizes the mysterious ways in which God works and the importance of the breaking of bread as a moment of salvation. The sermon also highlights the idea that heaven will be a place where God's dealings with his people will be unveiled, and where the wonders of the spiritual world will be revealed.
The Foursquare Gospel
By George Jeffreys1.2K09:46GospelPSA 33:12MRK 16:17LUK 21:28LUK 24:49ACT 2:38ROM 8:232TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of getting back to the Bible and accepting it as the inspired word of God. The Four Square Gospel message is highlighted as a powerful and transformative message that meets the needs of individuals in spirit, soul, and body. The preacher explains that this message includes salvation through Jesus, healing through Jesus, baptism of the Holy Spirit, and the second coming of Christ. The sermon also references biblical examples and teachings to support the message, such as Jesus' authority and Peter's declaration of Jesus as the Son of God.
The Redeemer Shall Come Out of Zion
By Paul Ravenhill1.0K37:56PSA 46:4PRO 29:18ISA 52:9ISA 59:20MAT 6:33ROM 8:231CO 13:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking back areas of our lives and bringing them into alignment with God's perfecting. He highlights the darkness and hurt that exists in the world, both in advanced countries and in impoverished ones. The enemy's tactic is to sedate us with our culture and Christianity, preventing us from fully experiencing the life and spirit of God. The speaker also discusses a ministry of healing and the need for a vision of God as the Redeemer, emphasizing the importance of individual relationship with Him.
Embassadors for the King
By Darrell Champlin97530:41MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 8:231CO 15:532CO 4:182CO 5:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeing and understanding certain key aspects in order to be effective ambassadors for Jesus Christ. These aspects include heavenly time, the earthly tent we live in, the heavenly tribunal to come, and the love of Jesus Christ. The preacher encourages the audience to focus on the eternal rather than the temporal, as the things that are seen are temporary while the things that are not seen are eternal. The sermon also includes powerful anecdotes of missionaries facing persecution and hardship in their mission fields, highlighting the sacrifice and dedication required to be a true ambassador for Christ.
Lookout mtn.conference 1973-08 the Apostle Paul
By Stan Ford37042:26ROM 8:11ROM 8:231CO 16:22CO 4:102CO 9:6GAL 5:16PHP 4:10In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the letter to the Philippians and discusses the theme of caring for others. He begins by diagnosing the troubles faced by the church and then provides a prescription for overcoming them. The preacher emphasizes the importance of giving and supporting God's servants, using the example of the collection taken on the first day of the week. He also reminds the congregation that they are pilgrims on a journey and encourages them to remember their ultimate goal of being with the Lord. Throughout the sermon, the preacher references various verses from the Bible, including Philippians 4:10 and 2 Corinthians 16.
A Spiritual Body
By G.W. North3371:43:41Christian LifeGEN 3:15MAT 6:33ROM 7:22ROM 8:23ROM 8:321CO 15:381CO 15:41In this sermon, the preacher encourages the congregation to embrace their helplessness and allow themselves to be taken advantage of. He uses vivid imagery of bulls roaring, unicorns tossing, dogs barking, and lions crushing to emphasize the challenges they may face. The preacher also emphasizes the importance of self-justification and the need to surrender to God's will. He references the story of Jesus' crucifixion and burial, highlighting the importance of accepting death and letting go of self-justification. The sermon concludes with a focus on praising God and embracing the gift of Jesus, emphasizing the need to fully embrace all that is offered through faith and to overcome unbelief.
Belonging
By G.W. North29147:53Christian LifePSA 27:8PSA 42:1PSA 62:5ACT 17:24ROM 8:23EPH 4:17EPH 4:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering oneself to Jesus and removing all barriers and excuses. He compares this surrender to holding someone stiffly in your arms, and encourages listeners to let go and allow Jesus to come in fully. The preacher also discusses the need to be patient and understanding with others, just as Jesus is with us. He highlights the ability to let go as a glorious thing that can prevent emotional breakdowns. The sermon concludes with the reminder that we are called to live like God and to be united with Him and with one another.
The Cross and the Mystery of Suffering
By Sadhu Sundar Singh5PSA 119:67LAM 3:31DAN 3:23JHN 10:9JHN 16:20ACT 9:4ROM 8:232CO 5:11PE 4:12Sadhu Sundar Singh preaches about the meaning and purpose of the cross, explaining that through Jesus bearing the cross, heaven was opened to believers, and by believers taking up their cross, they enter heaven and experience unbounded bliss. Pain and suffering exist due to man's rebellion against God's laws, meant to prepare them for an eternal home. God uses suffering as bitter medicine to promote spiritual health and awaken believers to their true home in heaven. The cross, though bitter outwardly, reveals spiritual peace and joy to those who bear it, just as Jesus shared in the sufferings of His followers to bring them relief and eternal safety.
The Doctrine of the Resurrection, Stated and Defended. in Two Sermons, Preached at a Lecture in Lime-Street.
By John Gill4Hope in ChristResurrectionJOB 19:25ISA 26:19DAN 12:2JHN 5:28JHN 6:39ACT 26:8ROM 8:231CO 15:131CO 15:201TH 4:13John Gill emphasizes the critical importance of the doctrine of resurrection, arguing that without it, the foundation of Christian faith crumbles. He defends the resurrection against skepticism, asserting that it is credible and certain due to God's omnipotence and the scriptural evidence of past resurrections. Gill explains that both the righteous and the wicked will be raised, each to their respective fates, and he highlights the necessity of resurrection for divine justice and the fulfillment of God's promises. He concludes by affirming that the resurrection is not only a future hope but a present assurance for believers, rooted in the resurrection of Christ.
The School of Sonship Unto Adoption
By T. Austin-Sparks3SonshipSpiritual GrowthJHN 7:17ROM 8:14ROM 8:19ROM 8:21ROM 8:23GAL 4:5EPH 1:5HEB 3:15HEB 5:8HEB 12:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound nature of sonship and adoption in God's family, explaining that adoption is not merely about being brought into the family but about the development and maturity of believers as they grow in their relationship with God. He highlights that true sonship involves a process of spiritual growth, where believers must actively engage with God and exercise their faith, moving beyond spiritual infancy to maturity. Sparks warns against the dangers of stagnation and the need for purposefulness in pursuing a deeper relationship with God, as the enemy seeks to hinder this progress. Ultimately, he encourages believers to embrace the challenges of spiritual training, recognizing that it is through these experiences that they will come to fully realize their identity as sons of God.
Eternal Inheritance
By Joshua Daniel2PSA 31:8PSA 34:1PSA 107:20PSA 119:9ROM 8:232CO 5:12CO 5:4EPH 1:141TH 5:19Joshua Daniel preaches on the eternal inheritance promised to believers in 2 Corinthians 5:1, emphasizing the confidence and assurance we have in God's heavenly dwelling. He challenges listeners to pray for healing and to guard against the worldly influences that can taint our lives and the lives of our children. Daniel encourages believers to groan for heaven, recognizing the impermanence of this world and the need for sanctification in our lives. He urges the congregation to embrace the freedom and opportunities God provides, to seek holiness, and to eagerly anticipate the fullness of eternity with Jesus.
The Powers of the Age to Come
By Watchman Nee1Spiritual WarfareKingdom Of GodJER 31:34MAT 12:28LUK 18:30ROM 6:6ROM 8:231CO 15:14HEB 4:9HEB 6:51PE 1:5REV 11:15Watchman Nee explores the concept of 'tasting the powers of the age to come' as mentioned in Hebrews 6:5, emphasizing that while Christians experience a foretaste of God's future kingdom, the fullness of these powers is yet to come. He highlights the significance of Christ's victory over Satan and the authority given to believers to reclaim dominion over the earth, which was originally intended by God. Nee asserts that the church's responsibility extends beyond salvation to actively engaging in spiritual warfare against the enemy, reclaiming territory for God's kingdom. He encourages believers to live in complete allegiance to God, as this is essential for overcoming spiritual opposition and experiencing the powers of the age to come. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper commitment to God's purpose and the realization of His dominion through the church.
For as the Sufferings of Christ Abound in Us
By C.H. Spurgeon1ROM 8:15ROM 8:23GAL 4:5EPH 1:52PE 1:4Barnhouse explains that 'huiothesia' means 'the placing of a son,' emphasizing the believer's position as a son or daughter with full rights and privileges in God's family. Detzler highlights the intimate relationship believers have with God as 'Abba, Father,' emphasizing the concept of adoption as sons. Paul reveals in Romans the past, present, and future aspects of adoption, showing that believers are chosen by God's grace to be His children. The Holy Spirit serves as the witness of our adoption, assuring believers of their relationship with God and freedom from fear. Adoption into God's family erases our old life, making us new persons with a clean slate before God.
Luke 2:21-32. the Song of Simeon.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0EXO 13:2JOB 19:25LUK 2:22LUK 2:25ROM 8:231CO 15:52PHP 3:201TH 4:16TIT 2:13REV 1:7Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on the significance of Jesus' presentation at the temple, emphasizing how Jesus, as the firstborn Son, was brought to the Lord as a holy and unblemished sacrifice for the sins of the world. The encounter with the aged prophet Simeon highlights the deep faith and love for the Savior, as Simeon rejoices in seeing the promised salvation and foresees Jesus as a light for all people, Jews and Gentiles alike. This event serves as a reminder of the hope and joy believers have in anticipating the return of Christ and the ultimate redemption and reunion with God.
On Adoption
By Thomas Reade0ROM 8:14ROM 8:232CO 1:22GAL 3:26GAL 4:4EPH 1:51JN 3:1Thomas Reade preaches on the blessings of redemption, emphasizing the infinite and eternal nature of God's gifts of grace and the gratitude we should have towards Jesus. He discusses the Spirit of adoption, highlighting the importance of filial affections towards God and the peace and joy that come with feeling like a child of God. Reade also addresses the need for genuine joy rooted in the Spirit's witness, cautioning against counterfeit graces and emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's will as a true foundation for our faith and comfort.
The Cross and the "So Great Salvation"
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Work of the CrossGreat SalvationMAT 16:24MRK 15:34JHN 1:29ROM 3:22ROM 8:232CO 5:21GAL 3:11EPH 2:13HEB 2:3HEB 9:27T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound nature of 'so great salvation' as described in Hebrews 2:3, exploring its comprehensive aspects such as substitution, representation, redemption, justification, reconciliation, regeneration, sonship, sanctification, and glorification. He explains that humanity's inability to meet divine requirements necessitates a substitute, Jesus Christ, who takes on our sins and offers us redemption and justification. The sermon highlights the transformative journey from being alienated from God to becoming reconciled and sanctified, ultimately leading to glorification. Sparks warns against neglecting this great salvation, underscoring the importance of recognizing and embracing the fullness of what Christ has accomplished for us. The message calls believers to grow in their understanding and experience of their salvation, moving towards maturity in Christ.
Overly Realized Eschatology (Is 'Death' the Savior?) Part 2
By Robert Wurtz II0ROM 8:231CO 12:41CO 15:512CO 7:1GAL 5:16EPH 1:131TI 5:232TI 2:151PE 1:16Robert Wurtz II discusses how throughout history, man has often tried to manipulate God's timing and plans to fit their own understanding, particularly in the study of eschatology. The Reformation brought essential truths back to the Gospel, including sola fide and sola scriptura. Concepts like 'second blessing' and Baptism in the Holy Spirit evolved over time, leading to movements like Classical Pentecostalism and the emphasis on spiritual gifts. However, extreme interpretations of these doctrines have caused harm by overstepping God's promises and creating an overly realized eschatology, claiming perfection and prosperity in this life that is reserved for after the resurrection.
The Spirit of Life
By A.B. Simpson0Life in ChristThe Holy SpiritPSA 104:29ISA 40:31MAT 12:28JHN 14:6ACT 1:8ROM 8:11ROM 8:231CO 6:192CO 4:11PHP 4:13A.B. Simpson explores the profound question of life through Romans 8, emphasizing that true life is found in God, who is the source of all vitality. He explains how the Holy Spirit imparts life to believers, quickening their mortal bodies and enabling them to experience divine strength and healing. Simpson illustrates this through biblical examples, such as the creation, the life of Samson, and the ministry of Christ, asserting that the Holy Spirit's work is essential for both spiritual and physical vitality. He encourages believers to recognize the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence and to rely on Him for strength and healing in their lives. Ultimately, Simpson assures that the same Spirit that raised Christ will also quicken our bodies, offering a foretaste of the future resurrection.
Abba, Father!
By George MacDonald0ROM 8:15ROM 8:23GAL 4:4EPH 1:5PHP 3:20George MacDonald preaches about the deep significance of calling God 'Father' from a full heart, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing the spirit of adoption as true sons and daughters of God. He challenges the traditional doctrine of Adoption, highlighting the need for a personal, heartfelt relationship with God as our Father, rather than a legalistic or distant concept of adoption. MacDonald stresses the essential role of love, faith, and honest skepticism in seeking to know God as our Father, encouraging believers to question and seek a genuine connection with God as his children.
Regeneration
By Anne Dutton0JHN 3:3ROM 7:21ROM 8:231CO 2:142CO 5:17GAL 5:17EPH 2:10EPH 4:22COL 3:101PE 1:3Anne Dutton preaches about the necessity of regeneration for anyone called to the gospel ministry, emphasizing that spiritual understanding is more crucial than academic knowledge. She explains that God's work of regeneration is essential for true preaching of the gospel, regardless of one's educational background. Dutton highlights the universal change that occurs in a believer's soul through the Spirit and word of grace, leading to a new nature in Christ and a spiritual capacity to discern and delight in God's holiness and salvation.
Our Daily Homily - Ephesians
By F.B. Meyer0RedemptionIdentity in ChristPrayerROM 8:23EPH 1:13EPH 2:10EPH 4:22EPH 5:1EPH 6:18F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound truth that believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, highlighting the immense cost of their redemption through Christ's blood. He explains that while our bodies are owned by God, they await full redemption, and we are called to live as His workmanship, created for good works. Meyer encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ, to put away their former ways, and to be renewed in their minds, reflecting God's character in their lives. He also stresses the importance of prayer in all circumstances, urging believers to pray in the Spirit and to remain vigilant and persistent in their spiritual journey.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And not only they, but ourselves also - Neither the Gentiles only, but we Jews also, (however we belong to a nation envious of the heathen), to whom God hath granted the first fruits of the Spirit; we sigh among ourselves for their sakes, waiting for the adoption; that is, the redemption of our mystical body, whereof the Gentiles make a very great part. Lightfoot's works. vol. ii. p. 359 and 707. The scope and design of St. Paul in these verses may be thus summed up: - The apostle shows that the whole creation is in a suffering state, into which it has been brought by the disobedience of one man, Adam; therefore, it was made subject to vanity - pain, sickness, and death; not willingly, for mankind had no part in that transgression which "brought death into the world and all our wo;" but God subjected the whole, purposing to afford them a deliverance and infusing into every heart a hope that a more auspicious era should take place; and it is through the influence of this hope, which every man possesses, that the present ills are so patiently borne, because all are expecting better days. The great deliverer is the Messiah, and the Gospel days the auspicious era which God intended to bring forward. They who believe in Christ with a heart unto righteousness are freed from the bondage of their sinful corruption, and brought into the glorious liberty of the sons of God; and they look forward with joyous expectation, waiting for the general resurrection, when their bodies also shall be redeemed from corruption, and the whole man, body and soul, be adopted into the family of heaven Above, as their souls had been previously adopted into the family of faith Below. And although it may be said that the redemption provided by the Gospel can not be an object of hope to those who have never heard of it; yet, as every man has hope, and this hope is inspired by God for this very purpose; that it may be the means of supporting them in the ills of life, and God, in inspiring it, had respect to the glorious state of Christianity, therefore it is this state, in effect, that the whole creation are longing for. So Jesus Christ is said, by the Prophet Haggai, Hag 2:7, to be the desire of all nations; and yet not one of the nations of the earth had, at that time, heard of him. And thus, as Dr. Whitby has very properly remarked, "desire and expectation are ascribed to creatures, in reference to things they want, and which tend to their advantage; notwithstanding they explicitly know nothing of them."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And not only they, but ourselves also--or "not only [so], but even we ourselves"--that is, besides the inanimate creation. which have the first-fruits of the Spirit--or, "the Spirit as the first-fruits" of our full redemption (compare Co2 1:22), moulding the heart to a heavenly frame and attempering it to its future element. even we ourselves--though we have so much of heaven already within us. groan within ourselves--under this "body of sin and death," and under the manifold "vanity and vexation of spirit" that are written upon every object and every pursuit and every enjoyment under the sun. waiting for the--manifestation of our adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body--from the grave: "not (be it observed) the deliverance of ourselves from the body, but the redemption of the body itself from the grave" [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And not only they, but ourselves also,.... Not only they Gentiles, but we Jews likewise: which have the firstfruits of the Spirit: meaning either the apostles, who were all Jews, and who most of them received the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit on the day of "Pentecost", which was the day of the firstfruits, Num 28:26; and to which there seems to be an allusion here; or else the Jewish converts in general: to the Jews the promises of the Messiah were made; to them he first came; the Gospel was first preached unto them, and some of them first believed in Christ; they had the grace of God communicated to them in conversion, which they received as the firstfruits, with respect to an after increase; or in regard to glory, like the firstfruits, grace is of the same kind with glory, and is a pledge and earnest of it; saints judge by grace the firstfruits, what glory is, and therefore long after it; now of these persons thus described it is said, even we ourselves groan within ourselves; their groans were inward from their hearts, not hypocritical or were among themselves, common to them all; and that not merely on their own account, the corruptions of their hearts, the sufferings they endured for the sake of the Gospel, and in a longing expectation for the heavenly glory, but also for the conversion of the Gentiles, for which they incessantly laboured, and prayed night and day; waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. Adoption is explained by the redemption of the body; and by the one may be known what the other means: by "the redemption of our body" is not meant the redemption of God's elect, body and soul, by the blood and death of Christ, which was already finished; and which the saints, who had received the firstfruits, were partakers of in themselves, and therefore could not be said to be waiting for it: but it designs either the redemption of the natural body, by the resurrection from the dead; when the bodies of the saints will be delivered from that mortality, corruption, weakness, and dishonour, under which they lie in the grave; when they will be refined and spiritualized, and freed from everything which makes them an incumbrance, and an uneasiness to their souls or spirits now; or else the redemption of the mystical body the church, of which the Gentiles make a considerable part, and is to be understood of a deliverance of the church, from the distresses and persecutions it then laboured under; or rather of a making up of the body, the church, by a redemption or deliverance of that part of it, which lay among the Gentiles, from that vanity and bondage of corruption, to which it was subject, into the manifestation and glorious liberty of the sons of God: and then by "adoption" is meant, the special grace of adoption, manifested to the Gentiles in their effectual calling; which the Jews who had received the firstfruits of the Spirit were waiting for, and had good reason to expect, from many prophecies in the writings of the Old Testament; and to which they were the more encouraged, by many appearances of the grace and power of God, attending the ministry of the Gospel among them; and which adoption will be more fully manifested in the resurrection morn; wherefore also the inheritance, which the whole mystical body the church will then enter upon the possession of, may well be called "the adoption", because the saints are adopted to it; adoption gives them the title to it, none but adopted ones will enjoy it; and their enjoyment of it will be the full manifestation and completion of the grace of adoption; this saints are waiting for, both for themselves and others, and it is worth waiting for; for it is "an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, which fades not away, reserved in the heavens", Pe1 1:4, and there is good ground to wait for it; it is a bequest of their heavenly Father, who has adopted them; it is a gift of his free grace; it is already in the hands of Christ, with whom they are co-heirs; and they have already the Spirit, as the earnest of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:23 we believers also groan: “Groaning” expresses a frustrated longing for God’s deliverance from the difficulties and oppression of this life (see Exod 3:7; Lam 1:22; Ezek 24:17; 2 Cor 5:2). • we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory (literally we have the first harvest of the Spirit): In the Old Testament, the phrase first harvest or firstfruits often describes the offering of the first and best part of a harvest to God (see Exod 23:19; Lev 2:12; 23:10; cp. 1 Cor 15:20, 23). The Holy Spirit is God’s pledge that he will see his work in us through to its conclusion (see Eph 1:14). • Although we have already been adopted by God as his children, the full rights of that adoption—our inheritance (see Rom 8:17)—are not yet ours. In this life, Christians live in tension between the “already” of redemption and the “not yet” of the glory to be revealed.