What does Romans 2:22 mean?

Explanation

Romans 2:22 challenges the reader to reflect on the consistency between their moral teachings and personal behavior.

The verse directly confronts the hypocrisy of one who preaches against sin yet commits the same sins they denounce.

The reference to adultery and idolatry serves as an accusation of moral failure -- one that is aimed at the Jewish leaders and teachers of the law during the apostle Paul's time.

They were known for their strict adherence to the law and for judging others, yet Paul is calling out their own behavior as being inconsistent with the law they hold so dear.

The deeper meaning is a universal call to self-examination and authenticity in one's spiritual life.

Historical Context

The Book of Romans, authored by the Apostle Paul, was written to the Christian community in Rome around 56-58 AD.

Paul is addressing both Jewish and Gentile followers of Christ and emphasizing the universality of sin and the need for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

At that time, Jews took pride in possessing the Law given to them through Moses, which included strict moral and ceremonial commandments.

Paul utilizes this sense of privilege to challenge the Jews to live up to the standards they so rigidly impose on others.

Theological Insights

Different theological traditions have analyzed Romans 2:22 in various ways:

• Reformed Theology: This perspective might emphasize the doctrine of total depravity, stating that all humans are inherently sinful and prone to hypocrisy.

It underscores the need for God's grace through faith and not just adherence to the law.

• Catholic Theology: It may use this verse to teach the importance of integrity between one's actions and the faith they profess, as well as the necessity of sacramental confession when one falls into sin.
• Eastern Orthodox Theology: This branch might focus on the process of theosis, or becoming like God, and see hypocrisy as an obstacle to spiritual growth and union with God.

Practical Applications

From a practical standpoint, Romans 2:22 serves as a strong reminder to:

• Maintain humility and avoid passing judgment on others without reflecting on one's own shortcomings.
• Strive for integrity and coherence between what one teaches and how one lives.
• Use self-examination regularly to align one's life with their professed beliefs and values.

Cross-References

• Matthew 23:27-28 - "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres..."
• James 1:22-23 - "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
• 1 John 1:8-9 - "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
• Romans 2:1 - "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest..."

Language Study

In the original Greek:

• "Commit adultery" (μοιχεύεις - moicheueis): This is a verb in the active voice, indicative mood, and second person singular.

It conveys the act of being sexually unfaithful.

• "Abhorrest" (βδελύσσῃ - bdelussē): This verb also has an active voice, indicative mood, and second person singular.

It expresses a strong feeling of revulsion or disgust.

• "Idols" (εἴδωλα - eidōla): This is a noun in the plural form and accusative case, meaning false gods or objects of worship.
• "Commit sacrilege" (ἱεροσυλεῖς - hierosyleis): The verb here is in the same grammatical form as the others and denotes the act of robbing or violating something sacred.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other religious contexts, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, the concept of aligning one's actions with their spiritual teachings is similarly valued and is often connected to the idea of karma.

The principle that one's actions have consequences is a universal theme that transcends cultural boundaries.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly interact with scientific concepts, the psychological study of cognitive dissonance can be related to the theme of hypocrisy addressed in the verse.

Cognitive dissonance theory suggests that people experience mental discomfort when their beliefs and actions are inconsistent, which may lead to a change in either their beliefs or actions to reduce the dissonance.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have provided their insights on Romans 2:22:

• John Calvin notes the human tendency to be strict in judging others while being lenient with oneself as a universal problem.
• Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the seriousness of hypocrisy, as it can discredit one's ministry and testimony.
• The Expositor's Greek Testament explains the verse as a specific rebuke to Jews who prided themselves on their knowledge of the law but failed to keep it.
• The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges suggests that this verse, among others in the chapter, serves to illustrate the impartial judgment of God.