Paul moves from accusation to sentencing. Barnes reads the question as, "Who shall pass sentence of condemnation, and consign to perdition?" The one who would have the right to condemn is the Judge, and Paul is about to show that the Judge is the very One who died for His people. Barnes reasons, "His death for them is a security that he will not condemn them." The question is meant to leave believers with no possible condemner left standing.

Paul answers with four facts about Christ: "It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us" (Romans 8:34). The One who could condemn has instead died for them, risen, taken the place of authority, and pleads for them. This fulfills what Paul said at the start of the chapter: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).

"At the right hand" was the place of honor and authority beside a king. "Maketh intercession" means to plead on someone's behalf. Barnes links this to Hebrews 7:25, where Christ "ever liveth to make intercession" for those who come to God by Him, and to Romans 4:25, where Jesus "was raised again for our justification." Paul has also said the Spirit "maketh intercession for us" (Romans 8:26). Believers have both the Spirit and the risen Christ praying for them.

This question shows that Christ's work for His people did not stop at the cross. Paul's "yea rather" moves beyond the cross to the resurrection, the throne, and ongoing prayer. Gill says Christ's death "was but once, yet of an eternal efficacy," and that "Christ's death expiated sin, but his resurrection brought in the everlasting righteousness."

Matthew Henry adds, "By the merit of his death he paid our debt." The One with every right to condemn is the One who took the condemnation and now speaks in His people's defense.