Back to Today
Romans 8:16Life in the Spirit
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God;
Permalink Verse page
Interpretation

Paul urges a witness spirit that is practiced in ordinary routines in Romans 8:16—consider "spirit" and "himself". Keep witness spirit in prayers we actually pray—honor God behind closed doors.

Context

Romans 8’s adoption section hears the Spirit witness within (Romans 8:16). “Abba” language grounds identity; courage grows from belonging.

Authorship & Historical Background

Long‑standing tradition credits Romans to Paul. Introductions to Romans often note: generally accepted as Pauline.. Scholars commonly date Romans AD 57. Romans appears framed for Church in Rome.. It sits within the Life in the Spirit (epistle/letter). Here the thread of spirit & new life comes into view. Themes unfold from greeting to transformed life through a careful argument.

More details
Traditional:Paul
Modern scholarship:Authentic Pauline.
Date:AD 57
Audience:Church in Rome.
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
The Greek text is preserved in thousands of manuscripts. Early papyri (P46, P66, P75) from the 2nd-3rd centuries, along with major uncials like Sinaiticus and Vaticanus (4th century), provide strong textual witness. Minor variants exist but do not change the overall sense.
Sources & witness notes
SinaiticusVaticanusP46