What does Romans 2:17 mean?

Explanation

Romans 2:17 is a declaration by the apostle Paul, addressing a specific audience, identified as a Jew, who rests upon the law, and boasts in God.

The verse dives into the self-assured position that the Jewish interlocutor holds due to their reliance on the law of Moses and their special relationship with God as His chosen people.

Paul aims to remind the Jews that merely possessing the law or being part of a chosen nation does not justify them before God; rather, it is adherence to the law in practice that matters.

This is a part of a larger argument where Paul is establishing a universal standard of judgment based on deeds rather than on identity or possession of the law.

Historical Context

The book of Romans was written by Paul around 56-58 AD.

During this period, the Christian community was struggling with the relationship between Jewish laws and the new faith in Jesus Christ.

There was a particular emphasis on whether Gentiles were required to follow Jewish customs and laws to be true Christians.

Paul's letter to the Romans addresses these issues directly by explaining that righteousness comes from faith, not from the law, and that this applies to both Jews and Gentiles.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Romans 2:17 is nuanced.

Some see it as a critique of Jewish hypocrisy, where adherents rely on their privileged position but do not live up to the standards they should uphold.

Others regard it as part of Paul's broader argument that all people are equal under God and that external badges of identity are not what justify a person before God.

Covenant theology might posit that while the covenant between God and Israel is unbreakable, it requires true fidelity to the law, not just a superficial adherence.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Romans 2:17 are numerous.

It challenges individuals to reflect on their compliance with moral and spiritual laws, not merely relying on belonging to a particular religious community.

It calls for humility and introspection, reminding believers that it's not what they claim to stand for but what they practice that defines their faithfulness.

It serves as a warning against spiritual complacency and pride based on religious status.

Cross-References

• James 2:14-26: Discusses the relationship between faith and works, emphasizing that faith without works is dead.
• Matthew 23:27-28: Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their outward appearance of righteousness when they are inwardly full of hypocrisy.
• Deuteronomy 10:12-13: The call for Israel to follow the Lord's commands and decrees diligently.
• Jeremiah 9:23-24: A warning against boasting in wisdom, strength, or riches, but boasting in understanding and knowing God.

Language Study

Key words in Romans 2:17 in the original Koine Greek include:

• "Ἰουδαῖος" (Ioudaios): Referring to a Jew or Judean
• "νόμῳ" (nomōi): The law – in this context, specifically the Torah or Jewish law
• "καυχᾶσαι" (kauchasai): To boast or glory in, suggests a pride or confidence in

Each word must be understood in its original context and nuances, conveying a mixture of ethnic, religious, and sociological identity in the term for Jew, the divine standard in "law" and the human reaction of pride and boasting.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison with other ancient cultures, Jews had a unique relationship with their laws, seeing them as divine commands from God himself.

Other religions had codes of law or ethics, such as the Hammurabi Code, but did not usually ascribe to them the same sense of divine origin and covenantal significance.

In other religious interpretations, such as in Buddhism, the emphasis might be on following a righteous path (the Eightfold Path) as a way toward enlightenment, which contrasts with the Jewish emphasis on covenant and law.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings do not directly intersect with the assertion of this verse since the verse discusses matters of religious identity and moral law.

However, the psychological aspects of in-group bias and identity might be relevant. Studies in social psychology can illustrate how association with a group often leads to a perceived moral or status superiority, which could tie back to the attitudes that Paul is addressing.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various insights on this verse.

Some like John Stott and Douglas Moo comment on the Jewish sense of privilege that Paul challenges, suggesting that the real issue is not the law itself but how one responds to it.

N.T.

Wright might add that this verse redefines what it means to be God's people, not in terms of ethnic boundaries but rather through faith in Christ.

These commentaries help to situate Paul's words within his larger theological framework of faith, works, and justification.