“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.”
Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. — Paul deploys juridical language: ἐγκαλέω (engkaleō, "accuse/charge") is rendered impossible because God—the judge—has already δικαιόω (dikaioō, "justified") the chosen. No prosecution can overturn God's verdict. The divine choice and justification are antecedent to any accusation.
Church Fathers on Romans 8:33
“Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect?” Here he is against those who say, that faith is no profit, and will not believe the complete change. (i.e. in baptism see p. 349.) And see how swiftly he stops their mouths, by the worthiness of Him that elected. He does not say, “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's” servants? Or of God's faithful ones? But “of God's elect?” And election is a sign of virtue. For if when a horse-breaker has selected colts fit…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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