Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 8:31

"What then shall we say to these things? If God [is] for us, who [is] against us?" — Romans 8:31 (ASV)

What shall we then say, etc. What logically follows from the facts stated? Or what conclusion shall we draw regarding the power of the Christian religion to support us in our trials from the considerations that have been stated? He then proceeds to state what this influence is.

If God be for us. This means God is on our side, or is our friend, as He has shown Himself to be by adopting us (Romans 8:15), by granting us His Spirit (Romans 8:16, 17, 26, 27), and by His gracious purpose to save us (Romans 8:29, 30).

Who can be against us? Who can injure or destroy us? Sinners may be against us, and so may the great enemy of our souls, but their power to destroy us is taken away. God is mightier than all our foes, and He can defend and save us. See Psalm 118:6: The Lord is on my side, I will not fear what man can do unto me. Paul proceeds to illustrate the proposition advanced in this verse with various points, which continue to the end of the chapter.