Re: Rom. 8:18-25 - The eager longing of creation

Graham, that may be true. The word ktisis does not occur in the Greek Old Testament, but it is found in the Apocrypha in a number of different senses. In Judith 16:14 it appears to refer to living creatures. In a number of places creation is said to praise or bless God (eg. Tob. 8:5). In 3 Macc. 2:7 God is said to be ’ruler of all creation’ apparently because he parted the sea for the Israelites to cross - so the material creation is in view; similarly during the exodus the physical creation was ’fashioned anew, complying with your commands, so that your children might be kept unharmed’ (Wisdom 19:6). In 3 Macc. 6:3-4 the prayer is that the God governs all creation with mercy should have compassion on oppressed Israel. In Wisdom 2:6 the reference is to the material creation which is to be enjoyed - wine and perfumes, etc. Fire is regarded as an aspect of creation by which Israel’s enemies are punished (Wisdom 16:22-24). In Sirach 49:16 ktisis appears to be used for individual humans.

I’m not sure what to make of all that. It seems to me most likely that Paul is thinking of the whole of creation apart from the people of God but including humanity.