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Romans 2

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.

What does Romans 2:10 mean?

Explanation

The verse Romans 2:10 belongs to a larger discourse where the apostle Paul is addressing the issue of judgement according to one's deeds.

In the immediate context, Romans 2:6-16 speaks of God's impartial judgment, emphasizing that He will repay each person according to what they have done.

In Romans 2:10 specifically, Paul highlights that glory, honor, and peace will be granted to every person who does good, first to the Jew and then to the Gentile (non-Jew).

Paul's assertion here underscores the fairness and justice of God, where rewards are not exclusive to a particular ethnic group but available to all based on individual conduct, consistent with God's impartial standards.

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

When Paul wrote the Letter to the Romans around 57 A.D., the early Christian community was grappling with the integration of Jewish and Gentile believers.

During this time, there were debates over the role of the Mosaic law, circumcision, and other Jewish customs in the life of a Christian, particularly for Gentile converts.

The reference to both Jews and Gentiles in Romans 2:10 reflects the tension between the two groups and Paul's broader aim to present a unified understanding of salvation and judgement that transcends ethnic boundaries.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Romans 2:10 can be seen in light of several key doctrines:

Justification by Faith: While emphasizing works, Paul's overall message in Romans champions justification by faith.

Good works are a manifestation of faith in Christ and a life transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Universalism of the Gospel: Paul is clear that the Gospel and its benefits are not limited to a specific group; both Jews and Gentiles can receive glory, honor, and peace.
Divine Impartiality: God's judgement does not prefer one group over another. The righteousness of God is accessible to all who do good.

Practical Applications

The practical implications of Romans 2:10 might include:

Equality: Believers are reminded to treat others with respect and equality, regardless of their background.
Pursuit of Goodness: Encourages individuals to do good works as a reflection of their faith.
Motivation: Offers a hopeful promise that moral and virtuous living will be acknowledged with peace and honor.

Cross-References

Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
Ephesians 6:8: "Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free."
Acts 10:34-35: "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words to study include:

"Glory" (δόξα, doxa): This term often refers to the splendor, brightness, or magnificent appearance relating to divine honor.
"Honour" (τιμή, timē): Meaning esteem, value, or respect worthy of recognition.
"Peace" (εἰρήνη, eirēnē): This can indicate harmony, concord, and well-being, not merely the absence of conflict.
"Worketh" (ἐργαζόμενος, ergazomenos): Indicates continuous, active engagement in doing good.
"Good" (ἀγαθόν, agathon): Represents moral goodness, benefit, or positive actions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse can be compared with religious and cultural ideas of merit and reward found in other traditions. For example, the concept of karma in Hinduism and Buddhism parallels the idea of receiving outcomes aligned with one's deeds.

However, in Christianity, the balance between faith and works, as well as the grace of God allowing for reward, is distinct.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse speaks to rewards in a religious and moral sense, the concept of actions leading to consequences may find some parallel in the scientific understanding of cause and effect.

However, the notion of divine reward and judgement is metaphysical and thus beyond the scope of empirical science.

Commentaries

Commentators on Romans 2:10 offer a range of perspectives:

Some emphasize that Paul is not teaching salvation by works but illustrating the principle of God's righteous judgement.
Others point out that the mention of Jew and Gentile signifies the breakdown of ethnic barriers in the Christian message of salvation.
F.F. Bruce notes that the “glory, honor, and peace” is a reference to the eschatological hope or future expectation of believers.
Douglas Moo comments on the importance of viewing this verse in light of the entire letter, which insists that while works are evidence of true faith, they are not the basis for justification before God.

Each of these commentaries aims to navigate the tension between faith and works within Paul's theology, highlighting the unity and impartiality of God's judgement as presented in the epistle to the Romans.

Romans 2

Romans 2

What does Romans 2:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Romans 2:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?