Context Matters

By Dean Collins

Context matters. Not so much on social media, though it would be helpful if everyone who posted—or, more likely, reposted—checked the context of their favorite political spokesperson. We often feel very strongly about our positions on a number of subjects. Politics and health information seem to bring out a variety of social media posts. Regardless of which side or position we hold, we can find plenty of examples of people using bits and pieces of what an authority or public figure has said to support our point of view.

Our social media posts concerning the Bible often have the same problem. We post or repost verses of Scripture to support a particular doctrine, sometimes without considering the context, which might actually suggest a different interpretation.

Romans 8 is a marvelous chapter of Scripture. Many of us have memorized verses from this chapter that remind us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. But before we get to the list of things that cannot separate us from His love, we find another verse that is often quoted. Here is the ESV translation of verse 28:

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

One reason it is helpful to read multiple translations of Scripture is that we are exposed to different translators’ studies and interpretations of the original texts. Bible translators typically have studied the original languages and carefully consider the manuscripts they use in their translations.

When reading Romans, we would do well to remember that the church in Rome was living in a world where persecution was a real and growing threat, particularly under Nero. This is especially relevant when we consider how chapter 8 speaks of the “sufferings of this present time” and assures us that nothing can separate us from God’s love.

N. T. Wright points out that, based on his study of the Greek text, Romans 8:28 can be translated in a way that emphasizes God’s work alongside His people:

“We know, in fact, God works all things together for good with those who love him—who are called according to his purpose.”

In one translation, all things work together for our good. In Wright’s translation, God works all things together for good with those who love Him.

I don’t know about you, but I have often found that loving God doesn’t mean everything works out the way I would like. However, when I remember that God is good and look for where and how He is working, I can join Him in His work. And when I do, I often begin to see His goodness in ways I might otherwise have missed.

Another important clue to the context of verse 28 appears in the verses leading up to it. Paul reminds us that all creation is groaning, experiencing the pains of childbirth as it awaits the return of Jesus, when all things will be made new. Paul tells us that we groan along with the rest of creation. Consider this passage:

“For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

Paul reminds us that we still have much to learn about prayer. The Holy Spirit is our helper, actively interceding for us when we struggle to find the right words—and especially when suffering leaves us speechless. The Spirit intercedes for us according to God’s will.

With this understanding of the Spirit’s work, we can better appreciate verse 28. We are not simply waiting for God to make everything work out for our personal benefit. We are invited to join Him in His work of renewing and restoring all creation. As citizens of God’s new kingdom, we are called to participate in His redemptive work, even as we groan alongside a creation that has not yet been fully restored.

One day, when Jesus returns, creation will be set free from its bondage to decay, and we will share in the fullness of God’s redemption. Then we will see the goodness of His purposes fulfilled in ways we can only begin to imagine today.

Father, with the help of Your Spirit, continually remind us of Your grand story of redemption as we read and seek to understand the Bible. Open our eyes to see You at work in the world today and help us join You in that work, so that we might see and experience Your goodness both now and forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Your Time with God’s Word
Romans 8 ESV

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