Romans 2

¹ 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.

² But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

³ 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?

⁴ Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

⁵ 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;

⁶ Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

⁷ To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

⁸ But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

⁹ Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

¹⁰ But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

¹¹ For there is no respect of persons with God.

¹² 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;

¹³ (For not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

¹⁴ 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:

¹⁵ 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;)

¹⁶ In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

¹⁷ Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

¹⁸ And knowest [his] will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;

¹⁹ And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,

²⁰ An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

²¹ Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

²² Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

²³ Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?

²⁴ For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

²⁵ For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

²⁶ Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?

²⁷ 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?

²⁸ For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

²⁹ 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.

Overview of Romans Chapter 2

Romans Chapter 2 continues the Apostle Paul’s discourse on the nature of sin, judgment, and righteousness. In this chapter, Paul addresses both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing that God’s judgment is impartial and based on one’s actions rather than mere possession of the Law or heritage. The chapter serves as a critical examination of hypocrisy and the true meaning of being a Jew in the eyes of God.

Key Themes

• Judgment and Accountability: Paul asserts that all individuals, regardless of their background, will be held accountable for their deeds.
• Hypocrisy: The chapter critiques those who judge others while committing the same sins themselves.
• The Role of the Law: Paul discusses the significance of the Law and how it relates to righteousness and sin.
• True Circumcision: The concept of true circumcision is introduced, emphasizing inward transformation over outward rituals.

Detailed Analysis

1. The Inescapability of Judgment (Verses 1-5)

Paul opens the chapter by addressing the hypocrisy of those who judge others while being guilty of similar offenses. He emphasizes that such judgment is not only hypocritical but also self-condemning. The key points include:

1. All people are subject to God’s judgment.
2. God’s kindness is intended to lead individuals to repentance.
3. Storing up wrath for oneself is a consequence of unrepentant sin.

2. The Impartiality of God (Verses 6-11)

In these verses, Paul clarifies that God will repay each person according to their deeds. This section highlights:

1. Those who do good will receive eternal life.
2. Those who are self-seeking and reject the truth will face wrath and anger.
3. God does not show favoritism; both Jews and Gentiles are judged equally.

3. The Law and Gentiles (Verses 12-16)

Paul discusses the implications of the Law for both Jews and Gentiles. Key points include:

1. Those who sin without the Law will perish without it.
2. Gentiles who do not have the Law but follow their conscience can be seen as doing what the Law requires.
3. On the day of judgment, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.

4. The True Jew (Verses 17-29)

In the concluding section of the chapter, Paul addresses the Jews specifically, challenging their reliance on the Law and their identity as God’s chosen people. Key insights include:

1. Merely possessing the Law does not make one righteous.
2. True circumcision is a matter of the heart, not just an external ritual.
3. True identity as a Jew is defined by inward transformation and obedience to God.

Conclusion

Romans Chapter 2 serves as a powerful reminder of the universal nature of sin and the impartiality of God’s judgment. Paul calls for self-examination among both Jews and Gentiles, urging them to reflect on their actions and the authenticity of their faith. The chapter emphasizes that true righteousness comes from the heart and is demonstrated through deeds, challenging the readers to move beyond mere external compliance to a genuine relationship with God.