Christian Affections in Romans 8

Abstract

Emotions course through Romans 8 and Paul provides numerous reasons (cognitive content) for various emotions, e.g. hope. The Jesus-story and the Holy Spirit (21 references) support Christian affections. This article gives attention to the emotions of hope, freedom, and related joy, comfort, encouragement, security, love, peace, confidence, and gratitude – all leading to confession, adoration, and worship. The approach counters scholarly tendencies to dismiss human emotions. In Romans 8, Paul intends for a feeling response from his Roman readers.