Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Romans 8:28

The thought passes from man’s striving in prayer with the help of the Spirit, to GOD’S constant activity for man, to promote that good, which is the object, even when unexpressed or inexpressible, of the children’s prayer.

οἴδαμεν, of an acknowledged fact of experience or conviction.

τοῖς�. θ. The true temper of childhood, answering to and counting on the ἀγάπη of the Father; cf. Romans 8:35; Romans 8:39. The fundamental attitude on both sides now comes to the front. The dat. = for: see next note.

πάντα συνεργεῖ. συν. is intr. (Mark 16 [20]; 1 Corinthians 16:16; 2 Corinthians 6:1; James 2:22) = helps, so Herm. Sim. v. 6. 6; πάντα is the ‘inner accusative’ = helps in all ways, gives all needed help; cf. Blass, p. 90; cf. Polyb. XI. 9. 1, πολλὰ συνεργεῖν τὴν ἁρμογὴν τῶν ὄπλων εἰς τὴν χρείαν. S. H. qu. Test. xii. Patr. Issach. 3; Gad 4 where συν. = ‘help’ simply. Chrys. and Theodorus seem to make it tr., taking GOD for subject and referring πάντα to apparently adverse circumstances. Origen takes πάντα for subj. but makes it refer to GOD’S action described in Romans 8:29 f., Philocal. (Robinson) p. 229.

[ὁ θεὸς.] Whether we read this or not, we should supply it as subj. to συν. The whole point of Romans 8:28-30 is that GOD gives active help, etc. To make πάντα subj. introduces a quite alien thought, unless with Origen it is strictly referred to Romans 8:29 f.

εἰς�, tr. for their good.

τοῖς κατὀ πρόθεσιν κλητοῖς οὖσιν. πρόθεσις = purpose, of man (Acts 11:23; Acts 27:13; 2 Timothy 3:10), of GOD (Romans 9:11; Ephesians 1:11; Ephesians 3:11; 2 Timothy 1:9), describes the whole purpose of GOD for man, which results in the call. It is shown in its elements or stages in Romans 8:29-30. The call falls into the lines of the purpose and is conditioned by it alone. Cf. v[167] of Man 1:13, of GOD Ephesians 1:10 (alibi supra Romans 3:25).

[167] vb verb

Continues after advertising

BibliaPlus

Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Romans 8:28

Old Testament

New Testament