Romans 8:28

All things work together (panta sunergei). A B have o qeo as the subject of sunergei (old verb, see on 1 Corinthians 16:16 ; 2 Corinthians 6:1 ). That is the idea anyhow. It is God who makes "all things work together" in our lives "for good" (ei agaqon), ultimate good. According to his purpose (kata proqesin). Old word, seen already in Acts 27:13 and for "shewbread" in Matthew 12:4 . The verb protiqhmi Paul uses in Romans 3:24 for God's purpose. Paul accepts fully human free agency but behind it all and through it all runs God's sovereignty as here and on its gracious side ( Romans 9:11 ; Romans 3:11 ; 2 Timothy 1:9 ).