Meaning, commentary and cross references
Romans 8:31
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
NIV · New International Version
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
WEB · World English Bible
What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
What does Romans 8:31 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Romans 8:31
What shall we then say to these things? &c. Either to these afflictions, shall we murmur and repine at them? no, since they work together for our good, and are not to be compared with our future glory, which is certain; for if we suffer with, and for Christ, we shall be glorified together: or to these blessings just now mentioned, as the foreknowledge of God, divine predestination, effectual calling, free justification, and eternal glorification, what can be said to these? nothing can be added to them, they are a complete set of blessings, wanting nothing; nor can the greatness of them be fully expressed, or the freeness of God's grace displayed in them, sufficiently declared: what remains…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Romans 8:31–34
31. What then, etc. The subject discussed having been sufficiently proved, he now breaks out into exclamations, by which he sets forth the magnanimity with which the faithful ought to be furnished when adversities urge them to despond. And he teaches us in these words that with the paternal favor of God is connected that invincible courage which overcomes all temptations.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Romans 8:28–34 (WEB)
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? 32He who didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things? 33Who could bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Cross references
- Psalms 118:6
- Jeremiah 1:19
They will fight against you, but they will not prevail against you; for I am with you”, says the LORD, “to rescue you.”
- Psalms 56:11
- 1 John 4:4
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.
- Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against you will prevail; and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the LORD’s servants, and their righteousness is of me,” says the LORD.
- Jeremiah 20:11
But the LORD is with me as an awesome mighty one. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they won’t prevail. They will be utterly disappointed because they have not dealt wisely, even with an everlasting dishonor which will never be forgotten.
- Psalms 56:4
- Psalms 27:1–3
Key words
In the Baptist Catechism
- Q36. What benefits do they that are effectually called, partake of in this life?
They that are effectually called, do in this life partake of justification, adoption, sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them.