Romans 8:23

And not only they, but ourselves also— That this is meant of the Apostles, appears plain from the following reasons: First, But ourselves also,—even we ourselves,—are very emphatical expressions, and direct our thoughts to some persons of distinction and eminence. Secondly, there will be little or no argument in this verse, if it be understood of the whole body of Christians: it will be only telling them what is supposed to be already known,—that they were in a state of affliction, waiting for the future glory. But it is a good argument, if understood of the Apostles, and properly enough advanced after a general survey of the sufferings of mankind: "Look at the world in common,—you see all labouring under sorrows, and in afflictions: look at us Apostles, who are most signally distinguished by the pledges of God's love, the miraculous gifts of the Spirit; even we are not exempted from sufferings; but it is the will of God that we too should remain under the pressures of life, and in a state of expectation." See 2 Corinthians 4:17; 2 Corinthians 5:2. There is an allusion, in the latter part of this verse, to the two kinds of adoption among the Romans; the first of which was private; the second public, in the forum, when the adopted person was solemnly declared and avowed to be the son of the adopter. Compare Luke 20:36. The redemption of our bodies means, their final deliverance from the power of the grave at the general resurrection. See Luke 21:28. Ephesians 1:14.Hebrews 11:35. Doddridge; and Howe's Works, vol. 1: p. 680.