Big Idea: Second Temple Judaism longed for the return of God’s Spirit, as evidenced in Joel 2:28–29. Paul’s use of the term “Spirit” in chapter 8 signifies that Joel’s prophecy has come true. The chapter is chock-full of covenantal blessings of the Spirit—given to Gentiles, no less, because they have accepted Jesus as the Christ.
Understanding the Text
Romans 8:1–17 discusses six new-covenant blessings to the believer that proceed from the Spirit: justification (v. 1), obedience (vv. 2–8, 12–13), indwelling (vv. 9–10), resurrection (v. 11), adoption (vv. 14–16), and inheritance (v. 17). Romans 8:18–30 adds one more new-covenant blessing of the Spirit, glory (through suffering), which I will discuss in the next unit.
Historical and Cultural Background
The background of the term “adoptio…