109
beginning of the clause. — vdep uyiuv, for saints ) The article is not added ; they are saints , who are both near to God , and are deemed worthy of assistance, being those for whom [the Spirit] makes intercession .
28. O’ibufizv fis, Moreover we know ) An antithesis to, we know not , ver. 26. — roT; dyunuffi, to them, that love) The subject is here described from the fruit of those things, which have been hitherto mentioned, — namely, lave to God ; and this love also makes believers [by a happy art] dexterously to take in good part all things which God sends upon them, and perseveringly to overcome all difficulties and temptations, [James i. 12. Paul is an example , 2 Cor. i. 3— 11.— Y. g.] Presently after, in the case of the called , the reason is given, why a predicate so excel- lent is attributed to this subject [why such blessed things are predicated of them who love God]. — iruvra eovspysf) all things work together , by means of groanings, and in other ways. So 1 Macc. xii. 1, 6 noupog aurti Guvzpyz?, time works with (serves) him. — slg ayad'ov , for good) even as far as to [up to] their glori- fication, ver. 30, at the end. — rotg xara <rp66sGiv xhqro/g oixnv, to those who are the called according to His purpose) This is a new proposition in reference to what follows. The apostle designs to give a recapitulation of all the advantages involved in justi- fication and glorification, ver. 30, and accordingly returns now first of all to its deepest [most remote] roots, which only can be known from these their sweetest fruits themselves i1 he at the same time hereby prepares us for the ninth chapter [which treats chiefly of Gods election and calling]: 'xpohaig is the purpose, which God determined to carry into effect concerning the sal- vation of His own people. xX?jro/c, the called , is a noun, not a participle ; inasmuch as oZgiv is added [which it would not be, if z\r,ro?g were a participial adjective], who are the called : — the purpose is unfolded, ver. 29, the called , ver. 30.
29. Upo'syvu) He foreknew. Hafenreffer translates it — He formerly acknowledged, npofcdg, the purpose , comprehends Kpoy- vugiv, foreknowledge , and rrpoopiqub v, predestination , for calling is annexed both to the former (prp6fo<ng) and to the two latter
i.e. the root, Gods calling and everlasting election, is known from the blessed fruits ( all things working for their good) which it bears to the called. —Ed.
110