Paul’s literal words (“with respect to these things”) have been rendered by the Good News Translation as faced with all this (New English Bible “with all this in mind”). The translation of this verse is not difficult, though it should not imply that no one will ever be against the Christian. Paul is merely saying, in an emphatic way, that all opposition to God’s people will finally come to nothing, because God is on their side. The proof of God’s concern for his people is introduced in the following verse.

The introductory rhetorical question may need to be changed into a statement, especially since this question is followed by another question—in fact, an entire series of questions given without response. Perhaps the closest equivalent of a statement is simply “in view of all this, our conclusion is as follows” or “on the basis of this, we may conclude.”

The second question in verse 31 may likewise be changed into a statement—for example, “If God is for us, no one can prevail against us.” Notice that it is necessary to introduce some concept of “prevail,” since this is the clear implication in the question who can be against us?

There are many languages in which rhetorical questions may be used effectively, but if they are introduced, it is often necessary to provide an answer in the text. In such a case, the answer to the second question of verse 31 would be “no one.” Similarly, the answer to the first question would be “much indeed.” In languages in which an answer to a rhetorical question is required, it is important that it not be omitted. Otherwise, the statement which follows at the beginning of verse 32 might imply that God is against us.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1973. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .