Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans John Calvin
Commentary on Romans pass through various afflictions into celestial glory, since these, when compared with the greatness of that glory, are of the least moment." He has mentioned future for eternal glory, intimating that the afflictions of the world are such as pass away quickly.
It is hence evident how ill understood has this passage been by the Schoolmen; for they have drawn from it their frivolous distinction between congruity and condignity. The Apostle indeed compares not the worthiness of the one with that of the other, but only lightens the heaviness of the cross by a comparison with the greatness of glory, in order to confirm the minds of the faithful in patience.
Romans 8:19-22
Romans 8:19-22
19. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
19. Siquidem intenta expectatio creaturae, revelationem filiorum Dei expectat:
20. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
20. Vanitati enim creatura subjecta est non volens, sed propter eum qui subjecit ipsam in spe;
21. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
21. Quoniam ipsa quoque creatura asseretur a servitute corruptionis in libertatem gloriæ filiorum Dei.
22. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
22. Novimus enim quod creatura universa congemiscit, et ad hunc diem parturit.
19 For the intent expectation of the creation, etc. He teaches us that there is an example of the patience, to which he had exhorted us, even in mute creatures. For, to omit various interpretations, I understand the passage to have this meaning — that there is no element and no part of the world which, being touched, as it were, with a sense of its present misery, does not intensely hope for a resurrection. He indeed lays down two things, — that all are creatures in distress, — and yet that they are sustained by hope. And it hence also appears how immense is the value of eternal glory, that it can excite and draw all things to desire it.
Further, the expression, expectation expects, or waits for, though somewhat unusual, yet has a most suitable meaning; for he meant to intimate, that all creatures, seized with great anxiety and held in suspense with great desire, look for that day which shall openly exhibit the glory of the children of God. The revelation of God's children shall be, when we shall be like God, according