Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 5:8

8 But God commendeth his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us .

i. e. He declareth or confirmeth it, by this as a most c[illegible: 1 letter]rtain sign, he makes it most conspicuous or illustrious. vid. Iohn 3.16. 1 Iohn 4.9, 10.

i. e. In a state of sin, and under the guilt and power of Sin. Believers in some sence are still Sinners, 1 Iohn 1.8. but their sins being pardoned and subdued, they go no longer under that denomination. Sinners in Scripture are said to be those in whom sin dwells and reigns. vid. Iohn 9.31. such we were by nature. Yea we were not only Sinners but enemies to God, which farther commendeth the Love of Christ in dying for us: there is no greater Love amongst men, than when one layeth down his Life for his Friends; but herein Christs Love excell'd, that he gave his Life for his enemies.

Marginal references: John 15.1[illegible: 1 letter] 1 Pet. 3.1[illegible: 1 letter]