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Romans 8:4

KJV

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Read it in context Life in Christ
Start reading at Romans 8:1 (Romans 8:1 to Romans 8:11). An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.

Paul begins with those in Christ Jesus who walk after the Spirit, contrasting flesh and Spirit and connecting the indwelling Spirit with life.

  1. 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
  2. 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
  3. 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
  4. 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
  5. 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
  6. 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
  7. 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
  8. 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
  9. 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
  10. 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
  11. 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Who

What

When

Where

How

Cited: Romans 8:1, Romans 8:11, Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17

Who wrote it, and how we know

Paul the apostle Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse, and Tertius names himself as the scribe. Romans 1:1Romans 16:22
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.

Related passages

Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).

Macro-Structure

See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.

Romans 8

Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).

Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4

Life in Christ
Romans 8:1–11 You are here · 8:4

FocusLife in the Spirit

Connection to the wholePaul begins with those in Christ Jesus who walk after the Spirit. He contrasts flesh and Spirit, connecting the indwelling Spirit with life and the future quickening of believers’ mortal bodies.
interpretation
Children and heirs
Romans 8:12–27

FocusSonship, suffering, and hope

Connection to the wholePaul connects being led by the Spirit with sonship and speaks of suffering with Christ and sharing His glory. Creation groans; believers await bodily redemption; the Spirit intercedes for the saints.
interpretation
God’s purpose
Romans 8:28–30

FocusConformity to Christ and glory

Connection to the wholePaul speaks of good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. He describes being conformed to the image of His Son and connects foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification.
interpretation
Confidence in God’s love
Romans 8:31–39

FocusGod’s love in Christ amid suffering

Connection to the wholePaul closes with questions about accusation, condemnation, and separation. He assures the believers he addresses that the hardships and powers he names cannot separate them from God’s love in Christ Jesus.
interpretation

Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.

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