31.What then, etc. The subject discussed having been sufficiently proved, he now breaks out
into exclamations, by which he sets forth the magnanimity with which the faithful ought to be
furnished when adversities urge them to despond. And he teaches us in these words that with the
paternal favor of God is connected that invincible courage which overcomes all temptations. We
indeed know, that judgment is usually formed of the love or of the hatred of God, in no other way
than by a view of our present state; hence when things fall out untowardly, sorrow takes possession
of our minds, and drives away all confidence and consolation. But Paul loudly exclaims, that a
deeper principle ought to be inquired after, and that they reason absurdly who confine themselves
to the sad spectacle of our present warfare. I indeed allow, that the scourges of God are in themselves
justly deemed to be tokens of God’s wrath; but as they are consecrated in Christ, Paul bids the
saints to lay hold, above all things, on the paternal love of God, that relying on this shield they may
boldly triumph over all evils; for this is a brazen wall to us, so that while God is propitious to us
we shall be safe against all dangers. He does not, however, mean, that nothing shall oppose us; but
he promises a victory over all kinds of enemies.
If God be for us, etc. This is the chief and the only support which can sustain us in every
temptation. For except we have God propitious to us, though all things should smile on us, yet no
sure confidence can be attained: but, on the other hand, his favor alone is a sufficient solace in
every sorrow, a protection sufficiently strong against all the storms of adversities. And on this
subject there are many testimonies of Scripture, which show that when the saints rely on the power
of God alone, they dare to despise whatever is opposed to them in the world.
“When I walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I shall not fear evils, for thou art with me.”
(Psalm 23:4.)
“In the Lord I trust: what shall flesh do to me.”
(Psalm 56:11.)
“I shall not fear the thousands of the people who beset me.”
(Psalm 3:6.)
For there is no power either under or above the heavens, which can resist the arm of God.
Having him then as our defender, we need fear no harm whatever. Hence he alone shows real
confidence in God, who being content with his protection, dreads nothing in such a way as to
despond; the faithful are doubtless often shaken but are never utterly cast down. In short, the
Apostle’s object was to show, that the godly soul ought to rely on the inward testimony of the Holy
Spirit, and not to depend on outward things.
32.He who has not spared his own son,etc. As it greatly concerns us to be so thoroughly
persuaded of the paternal love of God, as to be able to retain our rejoicing on its account, Paul
brings forward the price of our redemption in order to prove that God favors us: and doubtless it
is a remarkable and clear evidence of inappreciable love, that the Father refused not to bestow his
Son for our salvation. And so Paul draws an argument from the greater to the less, that as he had
nothing dearer, or more precious, or more excellent than his Son, he will neglect nothing of what
he foresees will be profitable to us.^273
(^273) Calvin renders by “donaret;” Capellus more fully, “gratis donabit — will gratuitously give.” Christ himself, and
everything that comes with or through him, is a favor freely bestowed, and not what we merit. This shuts out, as Pareus observes,
everything as meritorious on the part of man. All is grace. The “all things” include every thing necessary for salvation — every
grace now and eternal glory hereafter. — Ed.