Romans 8:18

Reckon. Greek logizomai. The same word is elsewhere translated “thinkest” (ch. 2:3), “conclude” (ch. 3:28), “suppose” (2 Cor. 11:5), “count” (Phil. 3:13). It does not denote mere opinion or supposition, but considered judgment.

The sufferings. Paul could speak of these from much painful experience. He had already suffered much for Christ and the gospel by the time he wrote this epistle, and much suffering was yet in store for him before his execution (see Acts 19:23-41; 20:23; 21:27-36; 2 Cor. 1:3-11; 6:4-10; 11:23-33; Col. 1:24).

This present time. In the light of eternity the present is but a brief and transitory period. “Our light affliction ... is but for a moment” (2 Cor. 4:17).

Compared. Compared with the coming glory, all the sufferings of this present life sink into insignificance (see EW 17).

Shall be revealed. Paul represents the future revelation of glory as something that is certain to take place. Compare Gal. 3:23, where the same words are used in the same emphatic order.

The glory that is about to be revealed includes the heavenly brightness of the second coming and the manifestation of Christ in all His divine perfection and power (see Titus 2:13). This glory will be shared by the faithful followers of Christ (Col. 3:4), for they will be like Him when they see Him as He is (1 John 3:2). They will reflect Him as a mirror and will be changed into the same image, from glory to glory (2 Cor. 3:18). The revelation of glory will also include the splendor and beauty of heaven, the throne of God (Acts 7:49), a bright and glorious place (Rev. 21:10, 11, 23, 24; 22:5).

The anticipation of this future glory should sustain Christians in their afflictions here below. The sufferings may seem great, but they are “light” compared with that “eternal weight of glory” which the afflictions are working out (2 Cor. 4:17). They are for only a moment, but the glory will be eternal. They will soon pass away, but the glory will never dim or diminish forever and ever (1 Peter 1:4).

In us. Or, “to us.” The preposition eis, which Paul uses, suggests the idea that the glory extends to us in its transfiguring radiance.