Romans 8:18-19 - Exposition

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward. (So, as in the Revised Version, or upon us, as Tyndale and Cranmer, rather than in us , as in the Authorized Version. The expression is εἰς ἡμᾶς , and the idea is of Christ appearing in glory, and shedding his glory on us, cf. 1 John 3:2 .) For the earnest expectation of the creature (or, creation ) waiteth for the revelation of the sons of God . "Revelatur gloria: et tum revelantur etiam filii Dei" (Bengel). God's sons will be revealed as being such, and glorified (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:5 ; also 1 John 3:2 ). ἠ κτίσις , in this verse and afterwards, has been variously understood. The word properly means actus creationis, and is so used in Romans 1:20 ; but usually in the New Testament denotes what has been created, as, in English, creation. Sometimes, where the context limits its application, it denotes mankind, as Mark 16:15 and Colossians 1:23 ; or it may be used for an individual creature (cf. Romans 8:39 ; Hebrews 4:13 ). Where there is nothing to limit its meaning, it must be understood of the whole visible creation, at any rate in the world of man. Thus in Mark 10:6 ; Mark 13:19 ; 2 Peter 3:4 . And so here, except so far as the context limits it; for see especially πᾶση ἡ κτίσις in verse 22. It is, indeed, apparently so limited to the part of creation of which we have cognizance at present; for see οἴδαμεν in verse 22, which denotes a known fact. But is there any further limitation, as many commentators contend? Putting aside as untenable, in view of the whole context (see especially verse 23), the view of those who understand the new spiritual creation of the regenerate to be meant, we may remark as follows: