Reflection on Romans 8:37-39

Rom 8:37: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

Verse 37 is a continuation of verses 35 and 36 which speak about unity with Jesus and readiness to suffer or even die for His sake. Reading the lives of saints and martyrs, we can see that they put these words into practice, and they are an example for us to follow. Nothing separated them from the love of Christ. The words about persecution and death and about sheep for the slaughter for the sake of Christ are followed by verse 37: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” These words too were lived by martyrs and saints, whose names we were given at christening in order that these saints may be a model for us. Verse 37 says that in all these things we are more than conquerors and it also says how. Through Him who loved us. Jesus Christ loved us so much that He died for every one of us on the cross at Calvary.

Rom 8:38-39: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers,

nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing,

shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The Apostle is persuaded that nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. This is the answer to the question in verse 35 saying: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” The Apostle first says: “Neither death, nor life…”, and then he mentions eight more possible obstacles. The Apostle emphasizes that the love of God is in Christ Jesus. Faith and devotion unites us to Jesus. The love of God then transforms our minds and our weaknesses to such an extent that nothing is able to separate us from Jesus any more. This is a well-established fact. Millions of martyrs who have suffered and sacrificed their lives for the sake of Christ during the two millennia witness to this.

When St Augustine resolved to follow Christ, he overcame fear, saying: “If others could, men and women, why can’t you, Augustine?” These words may be applied to every one of us.

Download: Reflection on Romans 8:37-39