Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. e: — 1. Little souls, superficial minds, reckon it as wisdom to argue away the mass of sufferings, or at least to belittle them, to conceal the dark shadows with rosy veils, and to place opposite a longer account of pleasures. But the truth is found in the plaints which are known by all, and which Job expressed (Job 7:1-3). Our apostle likewise gives full expression to the truth. In the phrases, "earnest expectation " (ver. 19), and "from the bondage of corruption" (ver. 21), he expresses the magnitude of the afflictions, and in the oft-repeated "creature," "whole creation" (ver. 22), is expressed its extent, its generality, which knows of no exception. 2. Neither does he treat the origin superficially. It was not so from the beginning, neither was there necessity that it should be so, "not willingly" (ver. 20). The creature was made subject to vanity. It is not a blind, puzzling game of chance concerning which it would be best not to investigate; but the apostle knows and speaks boldly that this woe has a reasonable, just, and Divine cause, "by reason of Him who hath subjected the same in hope," i.e., on account of human sin, because the holy God desired to mark sin with the unmistakable mark of misery and enmity to God. 3. But the apostle likewise knows that from the beginning — i.e., in the will of God — this is no unchangeable and eternal relation or condition ("in hope," ver. 20). Glory, which excludes every woe, is the certain destiny of the Christian, so that the sorrowful condition of the present world appears to him as a prophecy of this destiny. (Compare the "for" in ver. 19). Adoption (ver. 23), has undoubtedly and completely taken place (ver. 19, "manifestation of the sons of God"). Enjoyment of that which is promised in the testament, afterward the revealed and distributed inheritance (ver. 17). Separation from every temporal fetter, also of the mortal body; hence glorious freedom (ver. 21, and "redemption of the body," ver. 23), is the destiny of those who belong to Christ ("in us," ver. 18, is explained by ver. 14); in which destiny all creation shall share (ver. 22). This clear aim in view, guaranteed by the " possession of the first fruits of the Spirit" (ver. 23), causes the present sufferings to be only of momentary consequence (ver. 18); the Christian longs for heaven (ver. 23), and this homesickness is termed the blessedness of hope (ver. 24). (Prof. Cosack.) Parallel Verses KJV: For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. |
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