liberty) ’a rrh, from , and g/’s, are opposed to each other.
From denotes the point, from which we set out ; into, the point at which we arrive. Bondage and liberty belong to the creature ; corruption and glory to men, even believers [the latter, glory to believers alone : the former, corruption , to men in general]. Vanity , ver. 20, is something more subtle than tpQopa, corruption. Not only deliverance , but also liberty , is that goal, to which the creature in its own way is directing its course. — sig rr\v iXs uOspiuv, into the liberty) In order that they may in freedom be subservient to the glory of the sons [of God]. — Cluverus.
22. Tap, for) This aetiology1 [assigning of a reason] supposes, that the groaning of the creature is not in vain, but that it is heard by God. — rra<sa) all [ the whole]. It is considered as one whole, comp. ver. 28, 32, 39. — (Svenvdfyt, groaneth together) with united groanings [sighings]. Dio Cassius, book 39, gives a singular example of this in the wailing of the elephants, which Pompey devoted to the public shows contrary to an express pledge [promise given], as men at the time interpreted it ; and the people themselves were so affected by it, that they imprecated curses on the head of the commander. — uyj>i, unti 0 He insinuates, that there will be an end of pains and groans, the pains and groans of the creature.
23. Ou fiovov fle, but [and] not only) The conclusion is drawn from the strong groaning [of the creature] to that wdiich is much stronger [that of ourselves]. — abroi — %ai riiLug abroi, our- selves— even we ourselves) The former a broi, ourselves, is to be referred [lias reference] by antithesis to the creature [the whole creation groaneth] ver. 22 : the latter refers to ver. 26, concern- ing the Spirit [maketh intercession for us with groanings] ; and yet one and the same subject is denoted [the two abroi belong to rifJjzTg] ; otherwise, the apostle would have said, abroi oi rqv atfapyfv x.r.X. [the article oi would have followed the first abroi, had it referred to a different subject from the second abroi]. — r^v d'xupxfv rov rmbfiarog, the first fruits of the Spirit) that is the Spirit, who is the first fruits ; see 2 Cor. i. 22, note. We are a kind of first fruits of God’s creatures , James i. 18 ; and we have the first fruits of the Spirit ; and the same Spirit enters
1 See Appendix.