Meaning, commentary and cross references
Romans 8:28
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
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.
NIV · New International Version
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
WEB · World English Bible
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.
What does Romans 8:28 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good,.... There is a temporal good, and a spiritual good, and an eternal one. Temporal good is what the men of the world are seeking after, and generally have the greatest share of, and the saints the least; and yet they have as much as is needful for them, and what they have, they have with a blessing; and even sometimes afflictions work for the temporal good of God's children: spiritual good lies in a lively exercise of grace and a conformity of the soul to God; and is what the men of the world least regard, and the saints most; and sometimes afflictions issue in this sort of good, as they do also in eternal good, for they work for us an…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Romans 8:26–28
The privilege of the saints, that all things work together for good to them, that is, all the providences of God that concern them. All that God performs he performs for them, Psa 57:2. Their sins are not of his performing, therefore not intended here, though his permitting sin is made to work for their good, Ch2 32:31. But all the providences of God are theirs - merciful providences, afflicting providences, personal, public.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Romans 8:28–30
28. And we know, etc. He now draws this conclusion from what had been said, that so far are the troubles of this life from hindering our salvation, that, on the contrary, they are helps to it. It is no objection that he sets down an illative particle, for it is no new thing with him to make somewhat an indiscriminate use of adverbs, and yet this conclusion includes what anticipates an objection.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Romans 8:25–31 (WEB)
25But if we hope for that which we don’t see, we wait for it with patience. 26In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered. 27He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God. 28We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified. 31What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Cross references
- 1 Peter 5:10
But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
- James 1:12
Blessed is a person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord promised to those who love him.
- Genesis 50:20
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today.
- Romans 5:3–5
Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance;
- 1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written, “Things which an eye didn’t see, and an ear didn’t hear, which didn’t enter into the heart of man, these God has prepared for those who love him.”
- Romans 8:35–39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
- James 1:3–4
knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
- Romans 8:30
Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified.