there is now
The phrase "there is now" emphasizes the present reality of the believer's status. The Greek word "νῦν" (nun) signifies a current, ongoing state, contrasting with the past condition under the law. This immediacy underscores the transformative power of the gospel, which is not a future promise but a present assurance. It highlights the shift from the old covenant to the new, where believers experience the immediate effects of Christ's redemptive work.

no condemnation
"No condemnation" is a powerful declaration of the believer's standing before God. The Greek term "κατάκριμα" (katakrima) refers to a judicial verdict of guilt and the ensuing punishment. In Christ, this verdict is nullified. Historically, this would resonate deeply with a Roman audience familiar with legal proceedings. Theologically, it affirms the doctrine of justification by faith, where believers are acquitted of all charges due to Christ's atoning sacrifice. This assurance provides profound peace and security, knowing that the ultimate Judge has declared them righteous.

for those who are in Christ Jesus
The phrase "for those who are in Christ Jesus" identifies the recipients of this promise. The preposition "in" (Greek "ἐν," en) denotes a profound union and identification with Christ. This concept of being "in Christ" is central to Pauline theology, signifying a spiritual position and relationship that transcends mere association. It implies a deep, mystical union where believers share in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Historically, this would challenge both Jewish and Gentile believers to see their identity not in ethnic or cultural terms but in their relationship with Christ. This union is the basis for the believer's freedom from condemnation, as they are enveloped in the righteousness and life of Jesus Himself.

(1) Therefore.--The Apostle had already, at the end of the last chapter, "touched the confines" of that state of deliverance and of liberty which he is now going on to describe. The opening of this chapter is, therefore, connected in form with the close of the last. The intervention of Christ puts an end to the struggle waged within the soul. There is therefore no condemnation, &c.

Condemnation.--The condemnation which in the present and final judgment of God impends over the sinner, is removed by the intervention of Christ, and by the union of the believer with Him. By that union the power and empire of sin are thrown off and destroyed. (Comp. Romans 8:3.) There is a certain play on the word "condemn." By "condemning" the law of sin, Christ removed "condemnation" from the sinner. He removed it objectively, or in the nature of things, and this removal is completed subjectively in the individual through that bond of mystical and moral attachment which makes what Christ has done his own act and deed.

To them which are in Christ Jesus.--Those "who live and move and have their (spiritual) being" in Christ. To "have the Spirit of Christ" is a converse expression for the same idea. In the one case the believer is regarded as reaching upwards, as it were, through faith, and so incorporating and uniting himself with the Spirit of Christ; in the other case, the Spirit of Christ reaches downwards and infuses itself into the believer. This is the peculiar mysticism of the Apostle.

Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.--These words are wanting in the foremost representatives of every group of authorities (except, perhaps, those which belong to the region of Syria), and must certainly be omitted. They have been brought in here from Romans 8:4.

Romans 8:2 Verse 2. - For a new law - the law of the Spirit of life - is introduced into their being, by virtue of which they are freed from their old state of bondage to the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:3 Verse 3. - And this because of what God himself did for mankind in his own Son, Christ, who, in our very flesh, and in behalf of mankind, did what man himself was powerless to do - triumphed over sin and condemned it.

Romans 8:4 Verse 4. - And in us too (united to him by faith, and having spiritually died and risen again with him) the requirement of the Law is fulfilled, so that it forfeits its claim to condemn us now; but only on this condition in ourselves, that we walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. . . .

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