St John Chrysostom end of Romans 8:28, all of 8:29 & beginning of 8:30:
For
the calling was not forced upon them, nor compulsory. All then were called, but all did not
obey the call.
Ver. 29. For whom He did foreknow, He also did
predestinate to be conformed to the Image of His
Son.
See what superb
honor! For what the Only-begotten was by Nature, this they also have become by
grace. And still he was not satisfied with this calling of them conformed thereto, but even adds another point, that He might be the
first-born. And even here he does not come to a pause, but again after this he proceeds to mention another point, Among many brethren. So wishing to use all means of setting the relationship in a clear light. Now all these things you are to take as said of the Incarnation. For according to the Godhead He is Only-begotten. See, what great things He has given unto us! Doubt not then about the future. For he shows even upon other grounds His concern for us by saying, that
things were fore-ordered in this way from the beginning. For men have to derive from things their conceptions about them, but to God these things have been long determined upon, and from of old He bare good-will toward us (πρὸς ἡμἅς διέκειτο
, he says.
Ver. 30. Moreover whom He did
predestinate, them He also called; and whom He called, them He also justified.
Now He justified them by the regeneration of the laver. And whom He justified, them He also
glorified by the gift, by the adoption.
Ver. 31. What shall we then say to these things?
As if he should say, Let me then hear no more about the dangers and the malicious devices from every quarter. For even if some disbelieve the things to come, still they have not a word to say against the
good things that have already taken place; as, for instance, the friendship of God towards you from the first, the justifying, the
glory. And yet these things He gave you by means seemingly distressing. And those things which you thought to be disgracing, the Cross, scourges, bonds, these are what have set the whole world aright. As then by what Himself suffered, though of aspect forbidding in man's eye, even by these He effected the liberty and
salvation of the whole race; so also is He wont to do in regard to those things which you endure, turning your sufferings unto
glory and renown for you. If God be for us, who can be against us?
CHURCH FATHERS: Homily 15 on Romans (Chrysostom)