What does Romans 2:6 mean?

Explanation

Romans 2:6 states, "Who will render to every man according to his deeds:" This verse is part of a larger discourse by the Apostle Paul on the righteous judgment of God.

The literal interpretation of this verse is that God will judge every person based on their actions.

The deeper meaning considers the moral accountability and responsibility of individuals for their deeds.

It serves as a reminder that God's judgment is fair and based on the actual conduct of people rather than mere appearances or affiliations.

Historical Context

Romans was written by Paul around 56-58 A.D. while he was in Corinth, as he was preparing for his visit to Rome.

The Roman audience of the time was a mix of gentile and Jewish Christians.

This period was also marked by the Pax Romana, bringing relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire; however, Jews were sometimes viewed with suspicion and disdain because of their distinctive religious beliefs.

Paul addresses both Gentiles and Jews, emphasizing that God's judgment is impartial and applies to all humanity.

Theological Insights

This verse captures a central tenet of Christian theology: divine justice. It presents a view shared by many theological perspectives that God's judgment is equitable, measuring individuals by their actions.

From a Calvinist standpoint, the emphasis might be on God's sovereignty and the inevitability of divine judgment.

In contrast, an Arminian view might stress human free will and the role it plays in shaping our deeds. A Catholic interpretation may relate this to the concept of merit, where good deeds contribute to one's standing before God, in cooperation with grace.

Practical Applications

The practical application of Romans 2:6 can be seen in the encouragement of ethical behavior and introspection.

It reminds individuals that ultimately they are accountable to a higher authority for their actions.

This can motivate people to act with integrity and justice, to treat others fairly, and to be mindful of the consequences of their actions.

In addition, this verse can serve as a form of consolation for those who feel that justice is not served in this life, reaffirming the belief that ultimate justice rests with God.

Cross-References

• Galatians 6:7: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
• Revelation 20:12: "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."
• Matthew 16:27: "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."
• 2 Corinthians 5:10: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of this verse include "render" (ἀποδίδωμι, apodidomi), which means to give back or repay, and "deeds" (ἔργον, ergon), which means work, act, or task.

The phrase "according to" (κατά, kata) implies a proportional relationship between the deeds done and the judgment rendered. Studying these words in their original language affirms the concept of just recompense that corresponds to one's actions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar concepts of divine or cosmic justice are found in various ancient cultures and religions. For example, the concept of karma in Hinduism and Buddhism reflects the idea that one's actions directly impact one's future circumstances.

In ancient Egyptian religion, the weighing of the heart ritual in the Book of the Dead depicts the dead being judged based on their earthly deeds. The common theme in these beliefs is that ethical conduct is rewarded, and unethical conduct is punished, sometimes in an afterlife.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse itself is a statement of religious belief and is not directly linked to scientific study.

However, modern psychology and behavioral sciences may reference the impact of belief in moral accountability on human behavior.

For example, belief in divine judgment can influence ethical decision-making and personal conduct.

Social studies might examine the effects of such beliefs on community standards and legal systems.

Commentaries

Multiple Biblical scholars and theologians have provided insights into Romans 2:6. For instance:

• John Wesley notes in his explanatory notes that God "will render to every man" - This is the general proposition concerning God's final judgment, by the rules of which it is now evident there can be no respect of persons.
• Matthew Henry's commentary reflects on the individual's secret sins and the fact that God's judgment, unlike human judgment, is based not on appearances but on truth.
• The Expositor's Greek Testament comments on the principle of retribution as a fundamental element of the final judgment, and how this verse asserts that it is not one's hearers but the doers of the law who are righteous before God.

These commentaries shed light on the understanding that Romans 2:6 serves as a cornerstone for the Christian belief in God's fair and unbiased judgment based on human deeds.