Verse By Verse Through Romans

Chapter Two

• Therefore, ties us backwards (Romans 1:15-32). Specifically, consider those who know the judgment of God but do such things and have pleasure in doing them (Romans 1:32).
• Those who are guilty of condemning others while being hypocrites (Psalms 50:16-20, Matthew 15:1-14, Matthew 18:21-35, Luke 6:37-42, Luke 13:10-17, and John 8:1-11).
• Such is self-condemnation (Matthew 7:1-5 and Romans 2:21-23).
• How about the fact that Paul doesn’t leave the points in chapter one vague, but makes application to those in Rome (Acts 20:20-27)?

• In contrast to hypocrites, think about the judgment of God and His character in such (Psalms 9:7-8, Psalms 11:5-7, Psalms 98:9, Jeremiah 11:20, Ezekiel 18:18-32, Zephaniah 3:5, II Timothy 4:8, and I Peter 2:21-23).
• Our Lord does not say, “do as I say, not as I do” (Leviticus 11:45, Matthew 5:48, Luke 6:35-36, and Ephesians 5:1).
• Truth (John 1:17, John 8:31-32, John 14:6, John 17:17, Romans 2:8, and James 1:18; cf. John 12:48).

• Whether it is hypocrisy or other sinful behaviors, there is no escape from the righteous judgment of the Lord (II Samuel 12:1-14, Proverbs 15:3, Proverbs 11:21, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, Isaiah 29:15-16, Jeremiah 23:23-40, Matthew 12:33-37, and Romans 2:16).

• Unfortunately, people often get emboldened when they do sinful things and there are not immediate consequences (Ecclesiastes 8:11 and Matthew 24:48-51).
• Here is the fact, the goodness of God; longsuffering; is to wait in an effort to give man ample opportunity to repent and be converted (I Timothy 1:12-16 and II Peter 3:1-14).
• Don’t despise this goodness (Romans 6:1-2 and Romans 6:15).
• Those that understood God’s dealing in the past should have understood God’s forbearance which we can see looking back (Psalms 78:1-39 and I Peter 3:18-21; cf. Romans 3:9-25).

• The hard heart (Ezekiel 3:4-7, Zechariah 7:11-12, Mark 3:1-6, Mark 16:14, and Hebrews 3:8).
• The heart and repentance (I Samuel 7:3, Joel 2:12-13, and James 4:6-10).
• What the hypocrites have laid up for themselves wrath (Ephesians 5:6).
• The revelation [appearing] of the righteous judgment of God (II Timothy 4:1) because He is the righteous judge (II Timothy 4:8 and Acts 17:30).

• The righteous judgment of our Lord comes down to every man being rewarded according to his own deeds as was in the past (Isaiah 3:10-11 and Ezekiel 18:30) and will be in the end (Matthew 16:27, John 5:28-29, Matthew 25:31-46, I Corinthians 3:8, II Corinthians 5:10, and Galatians 6:7-9).

• What does patient continuance mean? The Greek word “ὑπομονή” is defined, “cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: - enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting)” (Strong’s # 5281). Translated in the KJV as “patience” (Luke 8:15, Luke 21:19, Romans 5:3, Romans 8:25, Romans 15:4, Romans 15:5, II Corinthians 6:4, II Corinthians 12:12, Colossians 1:11, I Thessalonians 1:3, II Thessalonians 1:4, I Timothy 6:11, 2 Timothy 3:10, Titus 2:2, Hebrews 10:36, Hebrews 12:1, James 1:3-4, James 5:11, 2 Peter 1:6, Revelation 2:2, Revelation 2:3, Revelation 2:19, Revelation 3:10, Revelation 13:10, and Revelation 14:12), “enduring” (II Corinthians 1:6), and “patient waiting” (II Thessalonians 3:5).
• Then we have “well doing” which is “ἀγαθός” and “ἔργον” meaning good works. So, enduring in doing good works is the language thus far and is certainly what is expected of saints (Matthew 5:14-16, Ephesians 2:10, Colossians 1:10, I Timothy 2:8-10, I Timothy 5:10, I Timothy 6:17-18, II Timothy 3:15-17, Titus 2:7-8, Titus 3:8, Titus 3:14, Hebrews 10:24, and James 1:19-27; James 2:14-26). A Calvinist hates this language.
• Those who are patiently continuing to do good works are seeking glory, honor, immortality [incorruption], eternal life (Matthew 16:24-27, Matthew 25:31-46, John 5:28-29, John 6:26-27, Romans 6:22, I Corinthians 15:53-58, II Corinthians 4:8-5:10, I Timothy 6:17-19, Hebrews 5:8-9, II Peter 1:1-11, and Jude 1:21).

• It is sinful to be contentious (I Corinthians 11:16) [strife is the typical translation of this term; Strong’s # 2052] (II Corinthians 12:20, Galatians 5:19-21, Philippians 2:3, and James 3:14-18).
• Those that do not obey the truth (John 12:48 and II Thessalonians 1:7-9), or as translated in other places “believed not” (Acts 17:5).
• Obedience is necessary for salvation (Matthew 28:18-20 and Hebrews 5:8-9).
• Abiding in the doctrine [teaching; instruction] of Christ is the basis of a continued relationship with the Father and the Son (II John 1:9; cf. John 8:31-32, John 14:21-24, John 15:1-10, Colossians 1:23, I Thessalonians 4:1-2, Hebrews 3:14, I John 2:24, and Revelation 22:14).
• For those that obey unrighteousness (II Thessalonians 2:12), there shall be indignation and wrath (Romans 1:18 and Hebrews 10:26-31).
• Whose child are you (I John 2:29-3:10)?

• First off, don’t take this to mean earthly consequences upon evil doers (Luke 13:1-5).
• Tribulation happens to the faithful (Acts 14:22, Romans 5:1-3, and Revelation 1:9).
• This is, as the context is revealing, about the suffering to come after the Judgment Day (Jude 1:14-15).
• To the Jew first and also the Gentile, as was the Gospel (Romans 1:16). Point being made in the next two verses.

• This is basically a repeat of Romans 2:7
• He is not the god only of the Jews (Romans 3:29).
• The Law of division (Ephesians 2:11-17) served it’s purpose in bringing about Christ and the covenant under which we all live as one now (Galatians 3:16-29).
• Salvation is available to all (I Timothy 2:4-6, II Peter 3:9, and I John 2:1-2).

• Deuteronomy 10:17, Acts 10:34-36, and I Peter 1:17

• The Gentiles which have not the Law (Romans 2:14).
• The contrast is that the Jews did have the Law that the Gentiles did not (Romans 2:17).
• The Law under discussion is the Law of Moses (Romans 7:1-6 and Romans 10:4-5).
• The Law of Moses was given to the children of Israel (Deuteronomy 4:44, Deuteronomy 31:11, Ezra 7:6, Nehemiah 8:1, and Malachi 4:4).
• Now, where there is no law there is no transgression (Romans 4:15). The thing is, there was a law and this context will bear this out (natural law).
• Understand this, these Gentiles were not under the Law of Moses, but they still sinned. Sin is what (I John 3:4)?
• So, think on this…. The Law of Moses was not spoken or written when Adam and Eve sinned, Cain sinned, the first judgment of the world, Sodom, etc. (Genesis 2:16-17, Genesis 3:17, Genesis 4:1-11, Genesis 6:5-13 [cf. I Peter 3:18-4:6], and Matthew 11:20-24).
• There was not an official account of sin (Romans 5:12-14), but when man went against God’s will or did what was unrighteous (I John 5:17), there was sin. There was also judgment for such sins (again; Genesis 6:5-13).
• When the Law of Moses was in place, Israel was held accountable to it but the Gentiles were not (Deuteronomy 27:26).
• So, if a person died under Moses’ law, that is the law they are judged by. If a Gentile died then, they would not. Verses 13-15 are in parenthesis. The explanation is there. This is looking forward to the final judgment (Romans 2:16).

• For the Jews, so what if you have heard the Law of Moses? You must be a doer (Numbers 15:37-41 and Deuteronomy 4:5-6).
• The same is true today (Luke 11:27-28 and James 1:21-25).
• There was faith, works, and justification before the Law of Moses and for a Gentile without the Law of Moses (James 2:10-26).
• Understand this, even if a person kept the Law of Moses perfectly in the first century after the Gospel had been preached to the whole world; they could not be justified through the Law of Moses (Acts 13:38-39, Galatians 2:16, and Galatians 3:10-11).
• For those Jewish Christians that wanted to also hold to the Law of Moses…. Galatians 5:4

• Remember chapter one (Romans 1:18-32). All men were aware of the Creator (Psalms 47:8).
• The Gentiles did not know the Law of Moses, as did the Jews (Psalms 147:19-20 and Romans 3:1-2; cf. Ephesians 2:11-17).
• Natural Law (Romans 1:27 and I Corinthians 11:14-15).
• They knew right from wrong naturally (Jude 1:10). When you know to do good, but you don’t do it (James 4:17).

• Naturally knowing what the Law of Moses said. I.E. Genesis 39:7-20; cf. Leviticus 20:10
• The conscience at work (John 8:1-11) or not (I Timothy 4:1-2).
• Various qualifying factors (Romans 14:2, I Corinthians 8:7, Titus 1:15, etc.).
• Internal conflict (Galatians 5:17 and I Peter 2:11).
• Excusing oneself (Proverbs 16:2, Proverbs 30:12, and I Samuel 15:1-23).
• Accusing oneself (Romans 14:14, Romans 14:23, and I John 3:20-21).
• Understand two reasons why the Law of Moses was given to Israel (Ephesians 2:11-17, Galatians 3:16-19, and I Timothy 1:8-10).

• It is important for man to realize that there are no secrets from God, for man likes to think there are (Psalms 10:2-11 and Psalms 64:1-5).
• God knows what’s going on with His creation (I Samuel 16:7, I Chronicles 28:9, II Chronicles 16:9, Proverbs 5:21, Proverbs 15:3, Proverbs 15:11, Jeremiah 16:17, Jeremiah 17:9-10, Jeremiah 23:23-24, Mark 2:1-12, John 2:23-25, and I John 3:19-21).
• There are potentially sins people have committed that are hidden from the general knowledge of other people (II Samuel 11:1-5, II Kings 17:9, Isaiah 29:15, Luke 22:14-23, John 12:1-8, and I Timothy 5:24-25).
• What is done in secret, God will judge by Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:31-46, John 5:22-30, Acts 17:31, Romans 14:7-12, and II Corinthians 5:10).
• Paul’s referring to the Gospel as his (II Timothy 1:11).
• Judged according to the Gospel (John 12:48).
• Don’t take such judgment only in the negative (Acts 20:32).
• That which Paul preached was not of himself (Galatians 1:6-12).

• When we get down further in this context we will see what it means then and now to be called a Jew according to the flesh (Romans 2:28-29).
• Under the Law of Moses, being called a Jew meant something more (Psalms 135:4).
• Calling themselves God’s people (Isaiah 48:1-2 and Jeremiah 7:9-10).
• Like today, think of the majority who call themselves Christians, but are nowhere near a relationship with the Lord (Luke 6:46, Luke 13:23-28, and Titus 1:16; cf. II Timothy 2:19).
• They settled upon the Law (John 5:45, John 7:19, John 8:1-5, Acts 15:5, Romans 2:23, and Romans 3:1-2).
• Think about how they made their boast of God (John 8:30-33).

• Israel knew God’s will because they were instructed out of the law (Deuteronomy 4:1-8, Deuteronomy 4:44-45, II Kings 17:13, Psalms 147:19-20, Malachi 4:4, and Romans 3:1-2).
• The word translated “approvest” [δοκιμάζω] is defined: “1) to test, examine, prove, scrutinize (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals; 2) to recognize as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy” (Thayer; Strong’s # 1381). Test is more often the meaning, but as it seems here in verse 18 it can also mean “approve” (I Corinthians 16:3).
• Putting together approvest and things more excellent (Philippians 1:10).

• While it is not good to be without knowledge (I Corinthians 15:34), knowledge can be dangerous (I Corinthians 8:1-2).
• What about those who are confident, but wrong (John 7:37-53, John 8:31-59, and John 9:13-34)?
• What about those that are confident, wrong, and lead others astray (Matthew 15:1-14)?
• Who is the true light for those in darkness (John 8:12; cf. II Corinthians 4:1-7)?

• If someone takes on the role of a teacher, there is a higher level of accountability (James 3:1).
• These viewed themselves as teachers of fools. As the word “fool” here is translated from the Greek word “ἄφρων”, think of this simply as some who is “unwise” as the word is translated in Ephesians 5:17.
• These viewed themselves as teachers of babes. The babes are those unskillful in the world (Hebrews 5:13).
• Their “form of knowledge” [appearance] doesn’t infer anything good especially in light of the context (cf. II Timothy 3:1-9). *We will talk about their hypocrisy beginning in the next verse.
• Knowledge does not qualify someone to be a teacher. Some desire to teach but do not know how to use knowledge properly (I Timothy 1:3-8 and II Timothy 2:15).
• Think of this time wherein the mystery is being unveiled (Ephesians 3:1-11), but knowledge is not yet complete (I Corinthians 13:8-12). It is very easy to teach something wrong when you only have partial information. That, coupled with what we are about to learn going forward, makes these individuals dangerous to the saints.

• It is hypocrisy to try and instruct a person to conduct himself or herself in a manner you are not living yourself (Matthew 7:1-5).
• A teacher needs to “practice what he preaches” (Luke 11:46, I Corinthians 9:27, I Timothy 4:12-16, and Titus 2:7-8).
• Words do not make one faithful (Hosea 8:1-14).
• Stealing is wrong (Romans 13:8-10 and Ephesians 4:28).
• Don’t just say something, practice it (Matthew 23:1-3).

• Adulterers will not be in Heaven just as the thief and the idolater will not be there (I Corinthians 6:9-10 and Galatians 5:19-21).
• Think of the hypocrisy Jesus exposed in a related context (John 8:1-11).
• They supposedly abhorred idolatry but were temple robbers (Strong’s # 2416). Why would you abhor something and then steal what is contaminated by what you supposedly hate (II Corinthians 6:14-18)?
• If you abhor something you would steer clear of it (Deuteronomy 7:22-26).

• As we have talked about, the Law was given to the Jews (Romans 9:4).
• The Jews had confidence in this (John 5:45 and John 9:8-29).
• Yet, they did not keep the Law of Moses (John 7:19-24 and Galatians 6:13).
• They would have had to keep the whole law to be able to say they kept the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 27:26).
• Through a long history of hypocrisy they dishonored God (Jeremiah 7:1-11).

• In this too, the Jews had a long history of muddying the name of God (Isaiah 52:5, Jeremiah 7:30, and Ezekiel 36:20-23).
• A Christian ought to live in a manner in which no one could speak evil of God because of us (I Timothy 6:1 and Titus 2:3-8).
• Our actions are supposed to glorify God (Matthew 5:14-16 and I Corinthians 10:31).
• God cares about His reputation (II Samuel 12:1-14).
• This leads into the line of thinking used in the next few verses (Romans 2:25-27).

• Circumcision goes back to Abraham for a reason (Genesis 17:1-14) and was continued under the Law of Moses (Leviticus 12:1-3).
• The Jews highly valued circumcision (John 7:22-24) and wanted to force it on Gentile brethren (Acts 15:1-5).
• Yet, if you are going to practice circumcision what about keeping the whole law (Galatians 5:3; cf. John 7:19)?
• For many of the Jews, it was merely an outward show (Galatians 6:12-13).
• So, if they were appealing to the Law of Moses for circumcision [or anything else] they are expected to do it all (Deuteronomy 27:26 and Galatians 3:10).
• Circumcision once identified God’s people as those uncircumcised were not His people (cf. Acts 11:1-3). Consider that their rejection of God resulted in God’s rejection of them (II Kings 17:16-20).
• As we read forward, the point will be made that God now looks on the inward rather than the outward. For, in Christ, physical circumcision doesn’t profit anyone spiritually (Galatians 5:6).

• In building the importance of the inward over the outward (Romans 2:28-29), the point is made here about Gentiles who obey though they don’t have the outward sign of circumcision (i.e. Acts 10:1-2, Acts 10:21-22, and Acts 10:34-35).
• The point earlier in the chapter was that the hearers of the Law were not justified, but the rather the doers of the law even including those to whom the Law was not given (Romans 2:13-16).

• Here is an obvious point, but often man misses the obvious points. Males are not born circumcised (Genesis 17:12).
• What about those outside of the covenant whose actions condemn those who claim to be of the covenant (Luke 11:27-32)?
• Think also about the sin of fornication in Corinth being something not even named among the Gentiles (I Corinthians 5:1). They are being compared to unbelievers (cf. I Timothy 5:8).

• They needed to fully realize what has changed and who are the true children of Abraham and the fulfillment of the promise made to him (Romans 4:1-12 and Galatians 3:15-29).

• Colossians 2:10-17
• God has always wanted the inward action of the heart (Deuteronomy 10:16, Jeremiah 4:4, and Ezekiel 18:30-31).
• We will study later in this letter the difference between the letter and the spirit; the carnal vs. the spiritual (Romans 7-8; cf. II Corinthians 3:3-12).