Romans 8:22

We know. Paul appeals to the experience of his readers in their observations of the world about them.

Creation. Greek ktisis. This is the same word that is translated “creature” in vs. 19, 20, and 21 (see on v. 19).

Groaneth. These pains indicate hope as well as suffering. Paul pictures the creation in the pangs of childbirth, as it looks forward to joyful deliverance (cf. John 16:21).

Only the Christian believer, with the Scriptures in his hands, can explain the mystery of suffering and sorrow. Through the revelation of God’s Word he knows the cause and the source of the suffering that he sees in “the whole creation.” He senses that the pangs of a world in travail point forward to a time of deliverance, when there shall be “new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13).

Until now. Creation’s travail has continued ever since the time of the entrance of sin, nor will the suffering cease until the coming of Christ.