What does Romans 2:12 mean?

Explanation

Romans 2:12 speaks to the principle of God’s judgment according to the presence of the law in a person's life.

Paul, the author of Romans, outlines two groups of people: those without the law (Gentiles) and those with the law (Jews).

He is pointing out that both will be judged by God, but the standard for their judgment will differ based on their knowledge of God's law.

For the Gentiles who did not have the Mosaic Law, they will perish because of their sin, which shows a natural understanding of right and wrong.

For the Jews who had the law, they will be judged directly by its precepts.

In a broader sense, this asserts the impartiality of God’s judgment and highlights the principle that God judges individuals based on the revelation they have received.

Historical Context

This verse is from Paul's letter to the Romans, written in approximately 57 AD.

During this period, there was a significant Jewish community in Rome, along with a growing population of Gentiles converting to Christianity.

There was a question of how the law of Moses applied to both groups in the context of salvation.

Paul addresses the struggle between Jews and Gentiles over the role of the Mosaic Law and the righteousness available through faith in Jesus Christ.

He particularly emphasizes God's fairness in judgment, regardless of one's cultural or religious background.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints offer various insights into Romans 2:12:

• Traditional Protestant theology often sees this verse as supporting the doctrine of sola fide (faith alone), emphasizing that both those with the law and without are justified by faith, not by adherence to the law.
• Catholic theology might focus on the natural law inscribed on the hearts of those without the Mosaic Law, showing how all humans have some understanding of moral requirements.
• Reformed theology may highlight God's sovereignty and His righteous judgment, asserting that no one is without excuse, whether they have had direct revelation (the law) or the testimony of creation and conscience.

Practical Applications

Romans 2:12 can be applied in daily life by reminding believers of several things:

• No one can claim ignorance as an excuse for sin.

Even without explicit knowledge of God's law, people have an inherent sense of morality.

• It serves as a call for Christians to avoid judging others based on their knowledge of God's law since God is the ultimate judge who will judge everyone fairly according to what they have known.
• Believers should be motivated to share the gospel, as it is through Christ that all can be judged righteous, regardless of their prior standing with the law.

Cross-References

• Romans 3:23 – "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
• 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."
• Romans 1:20 – "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"

Language Study

In the original Greek, key words to understand include:

• "sinned" (ἥμαρτον - hēmarton): implying to miss the mark, to err or to do wrong.
• "without law" (ἀνόμως - anómos): apart from law, typically referring to the Gentiles who did not have the Mosaic Law.
• "perish" (ἀπολοῦνται - apolountai): to be destroyed or to die, indicating a spiritual ruin or downfall.
• "in the law" (ἐν νόμῳ - en nomō): within the domain or context of the law, typically referring to the Jews.
• "judged" (κριθήσονται - krithēsontai): to be decided, to be condemned or vindicated, to be held to account.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse touches upon a universal religious concern: the basis for moral accountability and the final judgment.

Many ancient religions have a concept of law, whether divinely given or inherent in the cosmos, by which humans are judged.

• In ancient Egyptian religion, the concept of Ma'at involved a moral order to which souls were held accountable in the afterlife.
• Buddhist teachings also speak of Karma, a universal law of cause and effect, by which actions in one's life affect future rebirths.

Scientific Perspectives

Current scientific understandings typically do not intersect directly with concepts of divine law and judgment.

However, evolutionary psychology might shed light on the human capacity for moral reasoning, suggesting that a sense of right and wrong could be a product of social evolution.

Commentaries

Expert commentaries on this verse often debate the relationship between God's law and human morality.

• John Stott, in his commentary on Romans, sees this verse as expressing the principle that God judges people according to the light they have received.
• Douglas Moo, in "The Epistle to the Romans," considers the verse's emphasis on the fair judgment of God and how the law does not automatically render Jews saved, nor does lack of law render Gentiles condemned without recourse.
• N.T.

Wright, in "The New Testament and the People of God," discusses the idea that Paul is setting up an argument for a renewed understanding of the law in light of Christ's work, which pertains to all humanity, Jew and Gentile alike.