Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans John Calvin
John Calvin
32. Qui propno Filio non pepercit, sed pro nobis omnibus tradidit, quomodo non etiam cum eo donaret nobis omnia?
33. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
33. Quis intentabit crimina 272 adversus electos Dei? Deus est qui justificat. 34. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
34. Quis ille qui condemnet? Christus est qui mortuus est, quin potius etiam suscitatus, qui et in dextera Patris est, qui et intercedit pro nobis.
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. We indeed know, that judgment is usually formed of the love or of the hatred of God, in no other way than by a view of our present state; hence when things fall out untowardly, sorrow takes possession of our minds, and drives away all confidence and consolation. But Paul loudly exclaims, that a deeper principle ought to be inquired after, and that they reason absurdly who confine themselves to the sad spectacle of our present warfare. I indeed allow, that the scourges of God are in themselves justly deemed to be tokens of God's wrath; but as they are consecrated in Christ, Paul bids the saints to lay hold, above all things, on the paternal love of God, that relying on this shield they may boldly triumph over all evils; for this is a brazen wall to us, so that while God is propitious to us we shall be safe against all dangers. He does not, however, mean, that nothing shall oppose us; but he promises a victory over all kinds of enemies.
If God be for us, etc. This is the chief and the only support which can sustain us in every temptation. For except we have God propitious to us, though all things should smile on us, yet no sure confidence can be attained: but, on the other hand, his favor alone is a sufficient solace in every sorrow, a protection sufficiently strong against all the storms of adversities. And on this subject there are many testimonies of Scripture, which show that when the saints rely on the power of God alone, they dare to despise whatever is opposed to them in the world.
"When I walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I shall not fear evils, for thou art with me." (Psalm 23:4.)
"In the Lord I trust: what shall flesh do to me." (Psalm 56:11.)
272"Quis intentabit crimina — who shall chapter crimes {τίς} {ἐγκαλέσει} {κατὰ} {ἐκλεκτῶν} {Θεοῦ} — who shall implead, or bring a charge against the elect of God.?" See Acts 19:38 Many, such as Augustine, Grotius, Locke, Doddridge, and Griesbach, have made the next clause also a question; and also the clauses in the next verse. There is not much difference in the sense, but the passage will thus appear more striking, — 33. Who will lay a charge against God's elect? God the justifier? 34. Who is he who condemns? Christ who died, or rather who rose again, who is also at God's right hand, and who intercedes for us? What favors this construction is, that the Apostle proceeds in the same strain. — Ed.