Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 8

Who defends God's people?

Romans 8:34

The phrase ‘the right hand’, which means ‘the right side’, refers to the places of guests at a special meal (compare Luke 14:7-11). The right side of the host was the place of greatest honour.

We can read about such a meal in 1 Samuel 20:24-25. At that meal, we think that the place of greatest honour belonged to Jonathan, the king’s son. However, the person who actually sat there was Abner, the commander of King Saul’s army. Probably, Abner requested that place because he needed to discuss important military matters with the king. It would be impossible for them to discuss serious and secret matters unless they sat next to each other.

Jesus has received the place of greatest honour in heaven (Philippians 2:9-11). He sits at the right side of God the Father (Mark 16:19; Acts 7:56; Hebrews 1:3). He has accepted that place, not for selfish reasons, but because, like Abner, Jesus needs to speak to the King. Jesus is speaking to God the Father on matters of great importance; in other words, in heaven, Jesus is praying constantly (Hebrews 7:25).

Jesus’ character has not changed from when he lived on earth (Hebrews 13:8). So, his prayers in heaven will be like the prayers that he prayed on earth. We can see the nature of his prayers from the prayer that he prayed in John chapter 17. Especially, he prays for the people who have put their trust in him. He prays for God to complete his work in their lives. He asks God to protect them from the devil. He prays that God will bring them into a perfect relationship, both with God himself, and with each other.

Next part: Nothing can separate God's people from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35)

 

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