What does Romans 2:11 mean?

Explanation

Romans 2:11 states, "For there is no respect of persons with God." This verse communicates a fundamental principle within Christian theology: God does not show partiality.

The term "respect of persons" in this context means favoritism or bias based on external factors such as social status, race, wealth, or personal ties. The deeper meaning here explains that God judges all individuals by the same standard and values them equally, regardless of human distinctions.

Historical Context

Romans is an epistle (letter) written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Rome during the mid-first century, around 57 A.D.

During this time, the Roman Empire displayed a strict hierarchy and class system where status often determined one’s privileges and legal standing.

Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) were also in conflict over religious matters, law, and cultural practices.

Paul addresses both Jewish and Gentile believers, emphasizing that salvation is through faith, not lineage or law-keeping, and that God's impartiality is central to the gospel message.

Theological Insights

Theological insights into Romans 2:11 can vary among Christian denominations, but generally, they converge on the concept of divine justice.

In Calvinist theology, this verse is often used to support the idea of God's sovereign choice in salvation, emphasizing that His selection is not based on human merit.

Arminian theology would point to this verse as evidence that God gives grace freely to all, without pre-established favoritism.

Catholic theology would integrate this verse with the teaching of the universal call to holiness, teaching that all people, regardless of their state in life, are equally called to be in relationship with God.

Practical Applications

This verse implies that in daily life, one should strive to reflect God's impartiality by treating others with fairness and equality.

It promotes inclusivity and acceptance, guiding against discrimination.

In the justice system, work environment, and social interactions, Romans 2:11 could be used as a moral compass for egalitarianism, advocating that all individuals deserve equal treatment and opportunities.

Cross-References

• Acts 10:34: "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:"
• Ephesians 6:9: "And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him."
• James 2:1: "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons."
• James 2:9: "But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• "Respect of persons" (λήψις προσώπου - lepsis prosopou): implying partiality or favoritism.
• "God" (Θεοῦ - Theou): referring to the one supreme deity in Christian belief who possesses perfect and unbiased judgment.

Understanding these original terms contributes to recognizing that the message of impartiality was significant enough to be clearly emphasized in the context of the nascent Christian faith.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, such as the Greeks and Romans, gods were often depicted as having favorites and interacting with mortals based on personal desires.

In contrast, the Jewish-Christian God is presented as being steadfast in justice and treating all humans equally. This was a revolutionary idea in a religious landscape populated by capricious deities that acted with blatant favoritism.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science, especially psychology, often studies in-group and out-group biases and the human tendency to show favoritism based on subjective criteria.

Findings in these fields align with the ethic behind Romans 2:11 , an acknowledgement of the natural human inclination towards partiality and the moral imperative to strive beyond it to achieve fairness and equity.

Commentaries

Commentators across history have provided insight into Romans 2:11:

• John Calvin notes that God, who is the ultimate judge, makes no distinction between people, as he looks into the heart rather than outward appearances or statuses.
• Matthew Henry comments that this principle of God's judgment is a reason why we should not be partial in our own judgments, recognizing that God is the same to all.
• Contemporary biblical scholars like N.

T.

Wright highlight this verse as indicative of Paul’s overarching argument that the Jewish law cannot be a basis for boasting or exclusivity because God’s impartial judgment is based on faith and repentance.