Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul isn't just saying the future glory outweighs suffering; he uses the word "reckon" to show this isn't wishful thinking but a considered judgment. It's a deliberate calculation that declares present hardship utterly insignificant compared to the vast, revealed glory meant for us.
The apostle Paul is encouraging believers who are enduring hardship, reminding them of their adoption as children of God and the future glory that awaits them. He contrasts the present suffering, which is temporary and limited, with the eternal and immeasurable glory that God has prepared, assuring them that the difficulties of today pale in comparison to the blessings of tomorrow.
Paul doesn't just hope for future glory; he 'reckons' it. What does this deep-seated conviction mean for us today?
The word Paul uses, 'reckon' (or 'logizomai' in Greek), isn't just a casual thought. It implies a deliberate calculation, a weighing of evidence, and a reasoned conclusion. Paul isn't saying, 'I wish this were true,' but rather, 'Based on everything I know about God and His promises, this is the undeniable reality.'
This means his confidence isn't flimsy or emotional, but grounded in theological reasoning. He's comparing the temporary pain of this life with the eternal joy to come and arriving at a clear, logical verdict: the present sufferings are insignificant in comparison.
This perspective is crucial for enduring hardship. It’s not about denying the pain, but about contextualizing it within the grand, unfolding plan of God.
Our current struggles feel overwhelmingly real. How does Paul help us bridge the gap between the pain we feel now and the glory yet to come?
Paul sharply contrasts 'the sufferings of this present time' with 'the glory that is to be revealed.' He highlights two distinct realms:
The Present Time (Hoi Nun Kairos)
This refers to our current era, marked by trials, groans, and imperfection. It's a time of crisis and hardship that is temporary.
The Future Glory (Mellousa Doxa)
This points to the future revelation of God's glory, which will be fully experienced by believers. It's an eternal reality, destined to be unveiled.
The crucial insight here is the vast difference in scale and duration. Our present sufferings, however intense, are finite. The glory that awaits is infinite. This perspective shift, from the temporal to the eternal, is what empowers believers to endure with hope.
Where does this incredible future glory reside? Does it sprout from within, or does it come from somewhere else entirely?
Understand the original words
pathēmata · Greek Noun
The trials, hardships, and persecutions endured by believers in this fallen world as they follow Christ and await future redemption.
This passage echoes Paul's perspective by calling present afflictions 'light and momentary' when compared to an 'eternal weight of glory,' reinforcing the immense disparity Paul highlights in Romans 8:18.
1 Peter 1:6-7Peter speaks of believers' present 'various trials' being for a 'short time' and serving to refine their faith, which is of 'more worth than gold,' setting the stage for the future revelation of salvation, similar to Paul's comparison.
Colossians 3:3-4This passage directly states that believers' 'life is hidden with Christ in God,' and when Christ appears, they too will appear with him in glory, directly correlating with the 'glory to be revealed' in Romans 8:18.
Philippians 3:20-21Paul anticipates that our 'citizenship is in heaven,' from which Christ will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body, further illustrating the future glory that dwarfs present suffering.
meyerRomans 8:18: "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
Romans 8:18 . Λογίζομαι ] I reckon , as in Romans 3:28 ; 2 Corinthians 11:5 ; Php 3:13 . In the singular we are not to discover a turn given to the argument, as if the apostle found it necessary to justify himself on account of the condition εἴπερ συμπάσχ . (Hofmann). Just as little here as in the case of πέπεισμαι in Romans 8:38 . He simply delivers h…
clarkeRomans 8:18: "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
For I reckon that the sufferings, etc. - If the glory that is to be revealed be the enjoyment of God himself, (see above, Romans 8:17 (note)), then the sufferings of this life, which, when compared with eternity, are but as for a moment, are not worthy to be put in competition with this glory which shall be revealed in us. This case is perfectly clear.
Paul isn't just saying the future glory outweighs suffering; he uses the word "reckon" to show this isn't wishful thinking but a considered judgment. It's a deliberate calculation that declares present hardship utterly insignificant compared to the vast, revealed glory meant for us.
The apostle Paul is encouraging believers who are enduring hardship, reminding them of their adoption as children of God and the future glory that awaits them. He contrasts the present suffering, which is temporary and limited, with the eternal and immeasurable glory that God has prepared, assuring them that the difficulties of today pale in comparison to the blessings of tomorrow.
The apostle Paul is encouraging believers who are enduring hardship, reminding them of their adoption as children of God and the future glory that awaits them. He contrasts the present suffering, which is temporary and limited, with the eternal and immeasurable glory that God has prepared, assuring them that the difficulties of today pale in comparison to the blessings of tomorrow.
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The phrase 'revealed to us' (or 'upon us' in some translations) is significant. It points to the glory as something that comes from outside and is bestowed upon us, rather than something we generate internally.
This isn't about self-improvement leading to glory, but about God's magnificent grace and power bringing His glory to bear on us. It's a future manifestation where Christ's own glorious presence will be unveiled, and we will share in that unveiled splendor. Think of it like a crown being placed upon a king's head, or a royal robe being draped over a prince. The glory is external, magnificent, and ultimately belongs to God, but it is graciously given to us as His adopted children.
This understanding guards against pride and keeps our focus on God as the source of all hope and transformation.
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." — Paul isn't just saying the future glory outweighs suffering; he uses the word "reckon" to show this isn't wishful thinking but a considered judgment. It's a deliberate calculation that declares prese…
