For from HimThis phrase emphasizes God's role as the ultimate source of all creation and existence. In
Genesis 1:1, we see God as the Creator of the heavens and the earth, establishing His sovereignty over all things. The concept of God as the originator is echoed in
John 1:3, where it states that all things were made through Him. This underscores the belief that everything originates from God, affirming His omnipotence and divine authority.
and through Him
This highlights God's sustaining power and providence.Colossians 1:17 states that "in Him all things hold together," indicating that not only did God create everything, but He also maintains and governs the universe. This reflects the belief in God's active involvement in the world, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled. The phrase also suggests that all things are accomplished through God's will and power, aligning with the idea of divine sovereignty.
and to Him are all things.
This phrase points to the ultimate purpose and goal of all creation, which is to glorify God. InRevelation 4:11, it is declared that God is worthy to receive glory, honor, and power because He created all things for His pleasure. This reflects the belief that the ultimate end of all things is to bring glory to God, aligning with the doxological focus of Scripture. It also implies that all creation is moving towards the fulfillment of God's divine plan.
To Him be the glory forever!
This doxology is a declaration of praise and worship, acknowledging God's eternal glory. The concept of giving glory to God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, as seen in passages likePsalm 115:1, which emphasizes that glory belongs to God alone. This phrase serves as a reminder of the eternal nature of God's glory, which is unchanging and everlasting. It calls believers to live in a way that reflects and honors God's glory.
Amen.
The term "Amen" is a Hebrew word meaning "truly" or "so be it," often used to affirm the truthfulness of a statement. In this context, it serves as a confirmation of the preceding declaration of God's glory. The use of "Amen" is common in both Old and New Testament writings, signifying agreement and certainty. It reflects the believer's affirmation of God's sovereignty and the truth of His eternal glory.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.
2.
The Church in RomeThe recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.
3.
GodThe central figure in this verse, God is described as the source, means, and end of all things, emphasizing His sovereignty and glory.
Teaching Points
God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is the ultimate source, sustainer, and purpose of all creation. This understanding should lead to a posture of humility and worship.
Purposeful LivingSince all things are "to Him," our lives should be oriented towards glorifying God in all we do. This includes our work, relationships, and personal growth.
Worship and PraiseThe doxology in this verse calls believers to a life of worship, acknowledging God's eternal glory and majesty.
Dependence on GodUnderstanding that all things are "through Him" encourages us to rely on God's strength and wisdom in every aspect of our lives.
Eternal PerspectiveThe phrase "forever" reminds us to live with an eternal perspective, valuing what is lasting and aligning our priorities with God's eternal purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Romans 11:36?
2.How does Romans 11:36 emphasize God's sovereignty in your daily life?
3.What does "from Him and through Him and to Him" mean to you?
4.How can Romans 11:36 inspire worship and gratitude in your heart?
5.Connect Romans 11:36 with Colossians 1:16 on God's role in creation.
6.How can you align your actions with the truth of Romans 11:36?
7.How does Romans 11:36 affirm God's sovereignty over all creation?
8.What does "from Him and through Him and to Him" imply about God's role in the universe?
9.How does Romans 11:36 challenge human understanding of purpose and existence?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 11?
11.Are all things from, through, and to Him?
12.Are all things from, through, and to Him?
13.What does "theocentric" mean?
14.Who is R.C. Sproul and what did he teach?What Does Romans 11:36 Mean
For from HimEverything finds its origin in God.
• Creation itself begins with Him: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).
• John underlines the same truth: “Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3).
• Every blessing traces back to His generous heart: “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).
• Paul echoes it: “All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16).
The phrase reminds us that nothing—visible or invisible—exists independently of God’s initiating will.
and through HimGod not only starts all things; He also sustains them.
• “He upholds all things by His powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3).
• “In Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).
• Even our daily movement depends on Him: “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
Our ongoing existence, order in the universe, and every heartbeat are carried along by His active involvement.
and to Him are all thingsThe goal of everything created is the glory and pleasure of God.
• “Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist” (1 Corinthians 8:6).
• History is heading toward “the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ” (Ephesians 1:10).
• One day “every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11).
• In heaven the elders proclaim, “Worthy are You… for You created all things” (Revelation 4:11).
Everything—from galaxies to personal gifts—finds its ultimate purpose “to Him.”
To Him be the glory forever! Amen.The only fitting response is unending praise.
• David declared, “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory” (1 Chronicles 29:11).
• All creation joins the chorus: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise… forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13).
• Jude closes his letter, “to the only God our Savior be glory… for all eternity. Amen” (Jude 25).
Paul’s doxology inRomans 11:36 invites believers to echo heaven’s worship here and now, recognizing that glory belongs to God alone, without end.
summaryRomans 11:36 gathers the entire sweep of biblical revelation into one sentence: God is the source (“from Him”), the sustainer (“through Him”), and the goal (“to Him”) of absolutely everything. Because that is true, eternal glory rightfully belongs to Him. Recognizing these truths fuels humble worship, confident dependence, and purpose-filled living that points all honor back to our Creator, Redeemer, and King.
(36)
Of him, and through him, and to him.--All things proceed from God, all things are made or wrought by Him, and all things exist for His glory, and to carry out His ends. It is a mistake to see in this, as some of the older commentators have done, an allusion to the Trinity. This can hardly be. The subject of the whole verse appears to be God the Father, and the prominent idea is rather the unity of creation corresponding to the unity of the Godhead. The whole system of things issues from and returns to Him, accomplishing in its course His beneficent designs. It is true, however, that the use of the prepositions is such as in more analytical passages would be taken to express the threefold relation (origination, mediate causation, and retrocession) which the doctrine of the Trinity embodies.
Verse 36. -For of him; and through him, and unto him, are all things. The view advanced by some, that we have here an intimation of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, cannot fairly be maintained. But it is strikingly significant of the apostle's view of the essential Deity of Christ, that in1 Corinthians 8:6 andColossians 1:16, 17, similar language is applied to him. In the first of these texts it is said of the Father,ἐξ οῦ τὰπάντα, and of the "Lord Jesus Christ,"δἰοῦ τὰ πάντα; and in the second, of "the Son of the Father's love,"ἐν αὐτῷ ἐκτίσθη τὰπάντα, andτὰ πάντα δἰ αὐτοῦ καὶ εἰς αὐτὸνἔκτισται and also τὰ πάντα ἐν αὐτῷ συνέστηκεν. To him be the glory for ever. Amen.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
For
ὅτι(hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.
from
ἐξ(ex)
Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.
Him
αὐτοῦ(autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.
through
δι’(di’)
Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.
Him
αὐτοῦ(autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.
to
εἰς(eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.
Him
αὐτὸν(auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
[are] all things.
πάντα(panta)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.
To Him [be]
αὐτῷ(autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
the
ἡ(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
glory
δόξα(doxa)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391:From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.
forever!
αἰῶνας(aiōnas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 165:From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.
Amen.
ἀμήν(amēn)
Hebrew Word
Strong's 281:Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.
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NT Letters: Romans 11:36 For of him and through him (Rom. Ro)
