In Roman’s 8:37 the Apostle Paul states, “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” A Greek word is used in this verse that is used in no other place in the New Testament—hypernikao. Two Greek words put together—hyper meaning beyond or overwhelmingly, nikao meaning victory or conquering. What’s puzzling about this verse is what comes before it. In the two previous verses, Paul lists things that seem to be the opposite—tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, sword, and death. How does a Christian overwhelmingly conquer when that is their lot? The answer goes back to a Roman cross and an empty tomb outside the city walls. Unpack that story and the term victorious suffering becomes all the more clear.
