What does Romans 2:9 mean?

Explanation

Romans 2:9 continues the thought from the previous verses, emphasizing the impartiality of God in judging human sin.

The "tribulation and anguish" mentioned in this verse represent the distress and suffering that will be the consequence of doing evil.

The apostle Paul emphasizes that this judgment will come upon "every soul of man that doeth evil," showing no favoritism based on ethnic background or religious identity.

By specifying "of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile," Paul is underscoring the accountability of both Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles) under God's just and righteous law.

The phrase "of the Jew first" implies that the Jews, who had received the Law and were God's chosen people, would not be exempt from judgment, while "also of the Gentile" includes the rest of humanity.

Historical Context

Romans 2:9 is part of a letter written by the apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome around A.D. 57.

At this time, Rome had a significant Jewish population as well as a growing number of Gentile converts to Christianity.

There was an existing tension between Jews and Gentiles regarding the observance of the Jewish Law and the status of Gentiles in God's plan.

By emphasizing the impartiality of God's judgment, Paul sought to address this tension and teach the Roman Christians about the universality of sin and the need for all people to seek righteousness not through the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

The verse contributes to several theological discussions:

• Impartiality of God: It stresses that God does not show favoritism based on ethnicity or religious heritage.
• Judgment: It reinforces the idea that God judges according to one's deeds, and those who do evil will face consequences.
• The Law: For the Jews, this verse may reflect on their covenant relationship with God and how it does not grant them automatic immunity from judgment.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a reminder that one's actions have consequences, and it calls individuals to live righteously, knowing that God will ultimately judge all people. It can motivate believers to examine their own lives, repent for wrongdoing, and strive to do good.

Additionally, it encourages inclusivity and equality, showing that no one is above divine judgment based on their cultural or religious background.

Cross-References

• Romans 2:11: "For there is no respect of persons with God."
• 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."
• Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

Language Study

• Tribulation (θλίψις, thlipsis): Originally means pressure or crushing; metaphorically, it signifies affliction or distress.
• Anguish (στενοχωρία, stenochoria): A narrow place, constriction; metaphorically, it suggests great distress or a feeling of being hemmed in.
• Doeth (πράσσων, prasson): To practice or perform repeatedly or habitually, indicating a pattern of behavior.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this verse with other ancient myths and religious interpretations, one finds that many cultures possess stories or beliefs concerning divine judgment after death based on a person's actions in life.

Ancient Egyptian beliefs included the weighing of the heart against a feather of truth to determine one's afterlife fate.

Similarly, various religions teach about a day of reckoning or karma, where one's good and evil deeds will be accounted for.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concept of "tribulation and anguish" as consequences for evil actions can be correlated with the findings from psychology that establish the relationship between one's behavior and their mental and emotional well-being.

Negative actions or a pattern of harmful behavior can lead to psychological distress or dysfunction, which might be seen as a form of natural retribution or consequence.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Romans 2:9 often focus on the themes of God's righteous judgment and the universality of sin. They suggest that Paul is warning both Jews and Gentiles that mere possession of the law or heritage does not exempt one from God's judgment.

Scholars like John Stott and Douglas Moo emphasize the accountability of all humanity before God and the need for a savior.

This verse is seen as part of Paul's larger argument to explain that salvation is available to all through faith in Christ, regardless of one's background.