Romans 8:23

Not only they. Literally, “not only.” It is better to supply the words “the creation.” Christians, along with the rest of creation, sigh for the time when their adoption as the sons of God will be complete and their mortal bodies will be changed. All that they have received so far only makes them long for something more.

Ourselves also. The repetition is doubtless for emphasis. Even we Christians, who already enjoy so much of heavenly blessing, are groaning along with the rest of the creation. Though we have the first fruits of the Spirit, our sanctification has only begun, and we long for perfection and complete redemption. Each gift of God’s grace calls forth a corresponding sigh for what is still lacking.

Which have. Or, “though we have.”

Firstfruits. Greek aparche. This word is used in the LXX for the first fruits of the harvest, the portion that was first gathered and consecrated to God as an offering of gratitude (Ex. 23:19; Lev. 23:10; Deut. 26:2). The “firstfruits of the Spirit” may be understood as the early, initial gifts of the Holy Spirit, the earnest of the full outpouring of divine power. The Holy Spirit had come in special measure on the day of Pentecost, and His blessings continued, as evidenced by the various spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12 to 14) and by the transformation of character that distinguished the Christian from other men (Gal. 5:22, 23). The acquisition of these early gifts only increased the desire for a larger bestowal later, especially the gift of immortality, when the earthly body is transformed into a heavenly body (see 1 Cor. 15:44-53; cf. 2 Cor. 5:1-5).

The Greek of this passage may also be taken to mean that the Spirit Himself is the first fruits, as a pledge or foretaste of good things to come (cf. 2 Cor. 1:22).

Waiting for. Greek apekdechomai (see on v. 19).

Adoption. Greek huiothesia (see on v. 15). The Christian who has received the gift of the Spirit is already an adopted son of God (Rom. 8:15, 16; Gal. 4:6). But the final and complete realization of this adoption will take place in “the manifestation of the sons of God” (Rom. 8:19) at the coming of Christ.

Redemption of our body. The full realization of adoption takes place when our bodies are redeemed. Paul evidently uses the word “redemption” (apolutrosis), not to emphasize the idea of ransom (see on ch. 3:24), but only to express release from bondage. At the second coming of Christ our bodies will be delivered from our present condition of weakness, sinfulness, decay, and death (see 1 Cor. 15:49-53; Phil. 3:21; cf. 1 Thess. 4:16, 17).