FocusLife in the Spirit
Romans 8:4
KJVThat the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Paul begins with those in Christ Jesus who walk after the Spirit, contrasting flesh and Spirit and connecting the indwelling Spirit with life.
- 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.
- 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
- 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:
- 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
- 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.
- 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
- 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 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
- 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.
- 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
- 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
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 6:1–8:39): Paul addresses believers in Rome, speaking of their baptism into Jesus Christ and life in the Spirit. These instructions and promises belong to his argument for people who belong to Christ. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Life in Christ. Read Romans 8:1 through Romans 8:11 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul begins with those in Christ Jesus who walk after the Spirit, contrasting flesh and Spirit and connecting the indwelling Spirit with life. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes while planning further travel, including a visit to Rome. The letter does not supply a modern calendar date; reconstructions depend on comparing its travel notices with other texts. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The addressees are at Rome. Paul discusses other locations and travel plans, while the letter itself does not directly name the city where he is writing. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Life in Christ (Romans 8:1 to Romans 8:11). Start reading at Romans 8:1. 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.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter explains the gospel of Jesus Christ, baptism into His death, life in the Spirit, and hope of glory. Promises in Romans 8 address those in Christ and stand with the chapter's stated conditions. See Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Read the argument as a connected appeal to an addressed church. Keep obedience, continuing in God's goodness, and warnings against presumption visible when speaking of grace, inheritance, and assurance. interpretation
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
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
Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4
Children and heirs
Romans 8:12–27FocusSonship, suffering, and hope
God’s purpose
Romans 8:28–30FocusConformity to Christ and glory
Confidence in God’s love
Romans 8:31–39FocusGod’s love in Christ amid suffering
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4
Opening and theme
Romans 1:1–17FocusThe gospel and faith
The need for righteousness
Romans 1:18–3:20FocusSin and accountability
God’s provision in Christ
Romans 3:21–5:21FocusFaith, grace, and reconciliation
FocusBaptism, service, and life in the Spirit
Israel and the Gentiles
Romans 9:1–11:36FocusPromise, faith, and mercy
Living out God’s mercies
Romans 12:1–15:13FocusService, love, and mutual care
Ministry and closing
Romans 15:14–16:27FocusPlans, greetings, and final exhortation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.