Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
For there is no respect of persons with God.
For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Romans 2 is a pivotal chapter where Paul shifts his focus from the blatant sins of the Gentiles to the more subtle, yet equally dangerous, sins of the self-righteous, particularly the Jews. Building upon the foundation laid in Romans 1, where he detailed the consequences of rejecting God, Paul now confronts those who, while considering themselves morally superior, are also subject to God's judgment. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that external adherence to religious practices is insufficient; true righteousness stems from an inward transformation and a life lived in accordance with God's will. The message of Romans 2 is clear: nobody escapes God's impartial judgment.
The Trap of Self-Righteous Judgment (Romans 2:1-3)
Paul begins by springing a trap. Having just described the depravity of humanity in Romans 1, he now directly addresses those who would eagerly condemn such behavior, particularly the morally upright and religious (Romans 2:1). "Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things." (Romans 2:1). He accuses them of hypocrisy, pointing out that in judging others, they condemn themselves because they, too, are guilty of similar sins or, at the very least, share the same sinful nature.
The core issue is the arrogance of assuming moral superiority. These individuals, likely Jewish believers secure in their adherence to the law, were quick to point fingers at the "sinners" around them. Paul challenges this mindset by stating that God's judgment is based on truth, not on our self-evaluation or comparisons with others (Romans 2:2). He exposes the foolishness of thinking one can escape God's judgment while engaging in the very behaviors they condemn in others (Romans 2:3). This is a timeless warning against self-righteousness and a call for honest self-reflection.
The Misunderstood Patience of God (Romans 2:4-5)
Paul then addresses a common misconception: mistaking God's patience for His absence or approval. "Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4). The Jews, like many today, may have wrongly assumed that because God hadn't immediately punished them, He wouldn't judge them at all. Paul corrects this notion, emphasizing that God's kindness is intended to lead to repentance, a turning away from sin and toward God.
God's patience is not a sign of indifference but an invitation to change. However, those who refuse to repent are, in fact, "storing up wrath" for themselves (Romans 2:5). This accumulation of wrath highlights the seriousness of unrepentant sin. There will be a day of reckoning. This truth should encourage us when we see evil seemingly go unpunished; their debt is growing, and payment will be demanded in eternity.
Judgment According to Works (Romans 2:6-11)
A crucial point in Romans 2 is the principle of judgment according to works: "He will render to each person according to his deeds" (Romans 2:6). This verse often raises questions about salvation by works, but Paul clarifies this point throughout the rest of Romans. Here, he's emphasizing the impartiality of God's judgment. God will judge everyone according to their actions, rewarding those who persevere in doing good with eternal life and inflicting wrath and fury on those who are selfish and disobedient (Romans 2:7-9).
It's important to understand that Paul isn't suggesting that we can earn salvation through good works. Rather, he's highlighting that genuine faith will inevitably produce good works as evidence of a transformed life. God will judge impartially, without favoritism toward any particular ethnic group or background (Romans 2:11). Both Jews and Gentiles will be judged according to the same standard of righteousness.
The Law and the Conscience (Romans 2:12-16)
Paul now delves into the role of the law in judgment. He asserts that those who sin without knowledge of the law (Gentiles) will be judged without reference to the law, while those who sin under the law (Jews) will be judged by the law (Romans 2:12). This means that everyone will be held accountable for the knowledge and opportunities they have received.
Even Gentiles, without the written law, possess a conscience that either accuses or excuses them (Romans 2:15). This "law written on their hearts" demonstrates that God's moral standards are universally accessible. However, Paul points out that many Gentiles have ignored their conscience and acted wickedly. Conversely, he notes that some Gentiles, through their actions, fulfill the requirements of the law (Romans 2:14), thus putting the Jews, who often merely heard the law but did not obey it, to shame (Romans 2:13).
The Hypocrisy of the Law-Possessors (Romans 2:17-24)
Paul then turns the spotlight directly onto his Jewish audience, highlighting their hypocrisy. They prided themselves on their knowledge of God's will, their instruction from the law, and their role as guides for the blind and teachers of the ignorant (Romans 2:17-20). They believed that possessing the law made them superior.
However, Paul exposes the disconnect between their knowledge and their actions. "You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one shall not steal, do you steal? You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?" (Romans 2:21-22). Their hypocrisy was not only a personal failing but also a terrible witness to the world, causing God's name to be blasphemed among the Gentiles (Romans 2:24).
True Circumcision: An Inward Transformation (Romans 2:25-29)
Paul concludes the chapter by using circumcision as an illustration. He argues that physical circumcision is meaningless without a corresponding "circumcision of the heart" by the Spirit (Romans 2:29). "For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God" (Romans 2:28-29).
External religious rituals, like circumcision, are worthless without inward transformation. True righteousness is not about outward conformity but about an obedient relationship with God, a transformation of the heart that leads to a life pleasing to Him. This is a powerful reminder that God desires genuine faith and obedience, not merely religious performance. When religion becomes a substitute for a personal relationship with God, He is not present.
Romans 2 is a powerful and challenging chapter that exposes the dangers of self-righteousness and the futility of relying on external religious practices. It calls us to examine our own hearts, to recognize our need for God's grace, and to live lives that are pleasing to Him, both inwardly and outwardly. It provides a crucial foundation for understanding the gospel message of salvation by grace through faith, which Paul will further develop in the subsequent chapters of Romans.
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
For there is no respect of persons with God.
For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Romans 2 is a pivotal chapter where Paul shifts his focus from the blatant sins of the Gentiles to the more subtle, yet equally dangerous, sins of the self-righteous, particularly the Jews. Building upon the foundation laid in Romans 1, where he detailed the consequences of rejecting God, Paul now confronts those who, while considering themselves morally superior, are also subject to God's judgment. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that external adherence to religious practices is insufficient; true righteousness stems from an inward transformation and a life lived in accordance with God's will. The message of Romans 2 is clear: nobody escapes God's impartial judgment.
The Trap of Self-Righteous Judgment (Romans 2:1-3)
Paul begins by springing a trap. Having just described the depravity of humanity in Romans 1, he now directly addresses those who would eagerly condemn such behavior, particularly the morally upright and religious (Romans 2:1). "Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things." (Romans 2:1). He accuses them of hypocrisy, pointing out that in judging others, they condemn themselves because they, too, are guilty of similar sins or, at the very least, share the same sinful nature.
The core issue is the arrogance of assuming moral superiority. These individuals, likely Jewish believers secure in their adherence to the law, were quick to point fingers at the "sinners" around them. Paul challenges this mindset by stating that God's judgment is based on truth, not on our self-evaluation or comparisons with others (Romans 2:2). He exposes the foolishness of thinking one can escape God's judgment while engaging in the very behaviors they condemn in others (Romans 2:3). This is a timeless warning against self-righteousness and a call for honest self-reflection.
The Misunderstood Patience of God (Romans 2:4-5)
Paul then addresses a common misconception: mistaking God's patience for His absence or approval. "Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4). The Jews, like many today, may have wrongly assumed that because God hadn't immediately punished them, He wouldn't judge them at all. Paul corrects this notion, emphasizing that God's kindness is intended to lead to repentance, a turning away from sin and toward God.
God's patience is not a sign of indifference but an invitation to change. However, those who refuse to repent are, in fact, "storing up wrath" for themselves (Romans 2:5). This accumulation of wrath highlights the seriousness of unrepentant sin. There will be a day of reckoning. This truth should encourage us when we see evil seemingly go unpunished; their debt is growing, and payment will be demanded in eternity.
Judgment According to Works (Romans 2:6-11)
A crucial point in Romans 2 is the principle of judgment according to works: "He will render to each person according to his deeds" (Romans 2:6). This verse often raises questions about salvation by works, but Paul clarifies this point throughout the rest of Romans. Here, he's emphasizing the impartiality of God's judgment. God will judge everyone according to their actions, rewarding those who persevere in doing good with eternal life and inflicting wrath and fury on those who are selfish and disobedient (Romans 2:7-9).
It's important to understand that Paul isn't suggesting that we can earn salvation through good works. Rather, he's highlighting that genuine faith will inevitably produce good works as evidence of a transformed life. God will judge impartially, without favoritism toward any particular ethnic group or background (Romans 2:11). Both Jews and Gentiles will be judged according to the same standard of righteousness.
The Law and the Conscience (Romans 2:12-16)
Paul now delves into the role of the law in judgment. He asserts that those who sin without knowledge of the law (Gentiles) will be judged without reference to the law, while those who sin under the law (Jews) will be judged by the law (Romans 2:12). This means that everyone will be held accountable for the knowledge and opportunities they have received.
Even Gentiles, without the written law, possess a conscience that either accuses or excuses them (Romans 2:15). This "law written on their hearts" demonstrates that God's moral standards are universally accessible. However, Paul points out that many Gentiles have ignored their conscience and acted wickedly. Conversely, he notes that some Gentiles, through their actions, fulfill the requirements of the law (Romans 2:14), thus putting the Jews, who often merely heard the law but did not obey it, to shame (Romans 2:13).
The Hypocrisy of the Law-Possessors (Romans 2:17-24)
Paul then turns the spotlight directly onto his Jewish audience, highlighting their hypocrisy. They prided themselves on their knowledge of God's will, their instruction from the law, and their role as guides for the blind and teachers of the ignorant (Romans 2:17-20). They believed that possessing the law made them superior.
However, Paul exposes the disconnect between their knowledge and their actions. "You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one shall not steal, do you steal? You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?" (Romans 2:21-22). Their hypocrisy was not only a personal failing but also a terrible witness to the world, causing God's name to be blasphemed among the Gentiles (Romans 2:24).
True Circumcision: An Inward Transformation (Romans 2:25-29)
Paul concludes the chapter by using circumcision as an illustration. He argues that physical circumcision is meaningless without a corresponding "circumcision of the heart" by the Spirit (Romans 2:29). "For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God" (Romans 2:28-29).
External religious rituals, like circumcision, are worthless without inward transformation. True righteousness is not about outward conformity but about an obedient relationship with God, a transformation of the heart that leads to a life pleasing to Him. This is a powerful reminder that God desires genuine faith and obedience, not merely religious performance. When religion becomes a substitute for a personal relationship with God, He is not present.
Romans 2 is a powerful and challenging chapter that exposes the dangers of self-righteousness and the futility of relying on external religious practices. It calls us to examine our own hearts, to recognize our need for God's grace, and to live lives that are pleasing to Him, both inwardly and outwardly. It provides a crucial foundation for understanding the gospel message of salvation by grace through faith, which Paul will further develop in the subsequent chapters of Romans.