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ROMANS CHAPTER 2
OBSERVATION STAGE
Let's take a look at this chapter in its entirety first to see what we can observe from it alone within the context of the book of Romans, and then we will double back and provide elaboration and corroboration.
The observation stage is to teach an individual to focus on the text at hand which, by and large, has all the information necessary to understand what it is saying without going on unnecessary tangents elsewhere.
Remember that something elsewhere may be true, but in the text at hand it may not be in view.
Notice that 2:1 begins with 'You, therefore' as a continuation of what has come before. So we will begin at a strategic point in chapter one so as not to miss the context that chapter two continues and is a part of:
[Excerpt from
chapter one below - or skip to verse 2:1 
]:
****** EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER ONE *******
(v. 17 NKJV) "For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.' (v. 18) The wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness" =
The phrase "is revealed" in v. 18 has in view making the wrath of God observable by mankind in temporal time. This corroborates the interpretation of the same phrase "is revealed" in v. 17 which refers to making a righteousness from God evident to mankind so as to be observable in a believer by men in temporal time when that believer is faithful to his belief in the gospel.
(v. 18) The wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness" =
Godlessness is defined as anything that is rebellious against God, His righteousness, His holiness, His sovereignty, sinful behavior, not worshipping Him - unbelief. Wickedness is defined as that which is sinful, evil - more specifically in this verse: that evil which suppresses the truth about God: that He exists, is righteous, sovereign and requires man to be righteous. Hence the passage is addressing the lifestyle of immoral unbelievers, behavior which does not express worship or acceptance of God.
(v. 18) The wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness =
Immoral unbelievers who neither worship nor acknowledge God are in view, who by their godlessness and wickedness suppress the truth that God exist, is sovereign, righteous and expects man to be righteous.
Suppress = to keep from public knowledge; to exclude from consciousness; to inhibit growth or development of.
The phrase "suppress the truth by their wickedness" refers to keeping from public knowledge and ones consciousness by virtue of being wicked, the truth about God, that He exists, is sovereign, righteous and expects man to be righteous. Since wickedness is defined as behavior which is evil and thus against the sovereignty of God, more specifically in this verse: evil which suppresses the truth about God that He exists, is sovereign, righteous and expects man to be righteous, then the phrase "suppress the truth by their wickedness" describes an activity which does not worship God nor acknowledge that He exists, i.e., immoral unbelievers.
"(v. 17 NKJV) For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.' (v. 18) The wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness" =
Just as an absolutely perfect righteousness from God is imputed to individuals when they believe in the gospel and is revealed to mankind as present within those individuals for those moments when they are faithful to their belief in the gospel; so the temporal wrath of God is revealed to mankind from heaven in some manner against all the godlessness and wickedness of men - unbelievers who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Hence we have a contrast of God revealing a righteousness from Himself vs. revealing His wrath from heaven: a temporal contrast.
So God reveals both His righteousness and His wrath from moment to moment in temporal time in response to man's behavior.
Whenever individuals persist in being godless and wicked, suppressing the truth about God via wicked behavior which is godless, then God's temporal wrath is revealed, i.e., exercised on the earth toward those individuals in some manner. In view is that group of individuals who are godless, i.e., immoral unbelievers who do not worship God. That this wrath is temporal and the manner of it's being expressed by God is stipulated in the verses which follow.
[Everett F. Harrison, The Expositors Bible Commentary, NIV, Vol 10, Zondervan Pub., Grand Rapids, Mich. 1976, p. 22]:
"At the outset it is important to observe the correlation between righteousness and wrath. Both are represented as being revealed [both are in the present tense]...
Wrath... is viewed here as parallel to the manifestation of righteousness, belonging to the present age. It is 'being revealed.' This means that the unfolding of history involves a disclosure of the wrath of God against sin, seen in the terrible corruption and perversion of human life..."
[BKC, NT, p. 442]:
"1:18. This verse serves as a topic sentence for this entire section. In addition, it stands in contrastive parallel to verse 17. The continuing revelation (the verb is being revealed is in the pres. tense) of the wrath of God is an expression of His personal righteousness (which also 'is being revealed,' Gr., v. 17) and its opposition to human sinfulness. Therefore people need the continuing revelation of 'a righteousness from God" (v. 17 NKJV) that He provides. God's wrath is directed against all godlessness (asebeian, 'lack of proper reverence for God') and wickedness (akikian,'unrighteousness') of men... (God's wrath will also be revealed in the future; cf. 2:5).'
"The wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men" =
The wrath of God is stipulated as revealed from heaven, sending the message that God is active from moment to moment responding to the godlessness and wickedness of men on the earth with His temporal wrath.
(v. 1:18) "The wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness" =
Note that whenever there is godlessness and wickedness wherein truth is suppressed by that wickedness, it is as a result of the suppression of the truth about God, that He exists, is righteous, and that men were created by Him to be godly and righteous. In order for one to suppress these truths, one must have the truth plainly available to one in the first place. Verse 19 corroborates this:
(v. 19) "Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them."
[BKC, cont.]:
"Failure to give God His due inevitably results in failure to treat people, created by God in His image, the right way. Conversely, people (in their unrighteousness toward others) continue to suppress (katechontOn, lit., 'holding down') the truth (cf. 1:25; 2:8) concerning both God and man. People had God's truth but suppressed it, refusing to heed it. And these wicked ones did this in an attitude of wickedness (en adikia)."
"(v. 17 NKJV) For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.' "
(v. 18) The wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, (v. 19) since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them." =
The truth, i.e, the knowlege about God, that He exists, is the Sovereign Creator, is righteous and requires man to be righteous, has been made plain to men who suppress the truth about God by their godlessness and wickedness, i.e. such truth is plainly available to those who suppress the truth about God. This is why verse 18 can stipulate that men suppressed the truth by their wickedness, implying that they can plainly see the truth in the first place in order to suppress it. Verse 19 corroborates this by stipulating that this truth has been made plain to man by God.
Notice that God expresses His wrath against all godlessness and wickedness of men implying that He expects all men to be godly and righteous.
(v. 19) since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.''' =
The phrase "God has made it plain to them" implies that God has provided information to man about Himself in a manner which is readily discernible, i.e., natural revelation.
[BKC, NT, p. 442]:
"These verses declare that knowledge concerning God is available to all. This knowledge is called natural revelation because it is seen in the created world, is accessible to the entire human race, and is not soteriological, dealing with salvation effected by Christ...
Paul called this knowledge plain (phaneron), which means visible or clear. This is true because God has made it plain..."
(v. 19) "Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. (v. 20) For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." =
The particular qualities of God - His eternal power and divine nature are stipulated as invisible yet they are declared here as clearly seen since the creation of the world. That one can clearly see God's invisibile qualities, His eternal power and divine nature through an observation of creation implies that creation testifies clearly to a Creator with a view to His eternal power and divine nature. So something in the qualities of creation sends a clear message to all mankind of all ages, including those that do not worship God at all, that an eternal power was responsible for its existence and that power has a divine nature: God.
The reason and purpose that "what may be known about God is plain as opposed to hidden to mankind even to those who are godless and wicked and suppress the truth about God, even that He exists, is that what has been made, i.e., all that exists including man himself, reflects information about God to the extent that it clearly portrays God's eternal power and divine nature for the purpose to show that all mankind of all ages are without excuse when they suppress the truth of the existence of God and suppress the truth that creation clearly shows his eternal power and divine nature and what may be known about Him.
Notice that the wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men of all ages who suppress the truth by their wickedness, (v. 18). In view of the context of v. 20 which has all mankind of all ages in view, the occurrence of past tenses in later verses portrays specific examples of the pattern of God's wrath being revealed for all ages in response to man's godlessness and wickedness. So individuals of all ages are in view, not just a group from the past.
(v. 19) "Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. (v. 20) For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." =
What can be known about God is stipulated as being in plain view in creation. Furthermore, it is stipulated that God's eternal power and divine nature can clearly be seen in what has been made. This implies that the eternal power of God motivated by His divine nature, His holiness and His absolute righteousness created all things. The power it takes to create and maintain creation and its very nature reflects the eternal power and nature of God, Who only could have created and maintains such a creation. Evidently there is a magnificance in creation - a complexity, divine order and purpose which could only be from and clearly point to God and Who He is. This cannot be denied and when the truth of it is suppressed it is evident that those men that do that are godless, wicked and without excuse.
(v. 18) "The wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. (v. 19) since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them... (v. 21) For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (v. 22) Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools" =
When ones lifestyle becomes wicked and godless, one suppresses the truth of the evidence from creation which clearly testifies to what can be known about God, especially as to His invisible qualities, His eternal power, divine nature and righteousness; whereupon one becomes futile in ones thinking and ones foolish heart, (mind), becomes darkened (evil). Immoral unbelievers are in view. Futile thinking is defined as that kind of thinking that is without useful result, trifling and frivolous. Evidently when truth about God is rejected, over time ones thinking becomes futile, i.e., unable to be effective in recognizing and receiving what is true so that ones life can be righteous and effective.
Notice that the wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men of all ages who suppress the truth by their wickedness, (v. 18). In view of the context of vv. 18-20 which has all mankind of all ages in view, the occurrence of past tenses in later verses portrays specific examples of the pattern of God's wrath being revealed for all ages in response to man's godlessness and wickedness. So individuals who are immoral unbelievers, of all ages are in view, not just a group from the past.
So those that know God but do not glorify Him nor give thanks to Him but instead suppress the truth about God which is plain to all mankind, (vv 18-20), i.e., Who He is and the righteousness from man that He commands, (vv. 20-21), do this by their wickedness, i.e., their evil behavior which is contrary to the righteous behavior God commands of all mankind. They are ungodly and wicked in their behavior and by this behavior suppress the truth about God, (v. 18). As a result they become futile in their thinking wherein their foolish hearts (= thinking, minds), become darkened, (v. 21). Nevertheless, they claim to be wise yet they became fools in their attempt to refute evidence from creation which clearly testifies to what can be known about God, especially as to His invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, (v. 19-22).
(v. 18) "The wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness... (v. 21) For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (v. 22) Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools (v. 23) and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles." =
The wicked, ungodly behavior of immoral unbelievers supresses truth about and exchanges the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man, birds, animals and reptiles. So those that know God but do not glorify Him nor give thanks to Him but instead suppress the truth about God which is plain to all mankind, (vv 18-20), i.e., Who He is and the righteousness He expects from mankind, (vv. 17, 20-21), do this by their wickedness, i.e., their evil behavior. As immoral unbelievers they are ungodly and wicked in their behavior and by this behavior suppress the truth, (v. 18). As a result they become futile in their thinking wherein their foolish hearts (= minds), become darkened, (v. 21). Nevertheless, they claim to be wise yet they become fools in their attempt to refute evidence from creation which clearly testifies to what can be known about God, especially as to His invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, (v. 19-22). In effect these godless, wicked immoral unbelievers have "exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator, (v. 25).
These wicked individuals exchange the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles - even today!
[BKC, p. 443]:
"When the true Source of wisdom is rejected... people's claim to be wise is an idle boast. Progressively they became fools (emOranthEsan, lit., 'became stupid'), a reality demonstrated by the worship as gods of idols in the forms of people and animals ... The ultimate irony in humanity's refusal to glorify the true God is the insanity or stupidity of idolatry... Man's refusal to acknowledge and glorify God leads to a downward path: first, worthless thinking; next, moral insensitivity; and then, religious stupidity (seen in idol-worship).
In a real sense the results of God's condemnation on rebellious humanity are nothing more than the natural consequences of suppressing truth, ignoring revelation, and perverting God's glory. However, God did more than simply let nature take its course. God acted to abandon (the thrice-mentioned 'gave them over' [vv. 24, 26, 28] is paredOken, 'abandoned') people to expressions of a corrupt lifestyle that deserved God's wrath and the sentence of death (v. 32)."
(v. 18) "The wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness... (v. 21) For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened... (v. 23) and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. (v. 24) Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another." =
The word "Therefore" which begins verse 24 concludes for the reader what was begun in verse 18 which has in view God's wrath being revealed from heaven against all godlessness and wickedness of all mankind of all ages, especially immoral unbelievers:
The godless and wicked behavior of all mankind, especially immoral unbelievers suppresses the truth about God leading to futile thinking, a darkened heart, (mind), and the exchange of the glory of the immortal God for images of idols; whereupon God gives them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies, one with another. Hence sexual impurity is an expected outgrowth of godless and wicked behavior which comes about because God gives the godless, wicked individual over to such sinful desires.
The wrath of God is thus revealed from heaven against all godlessness and wickedness of men who are immoral unbelievers who suppress the truth by their wickedness, (v. 18), in one way, as stipulated in v. 24, via God's giving such men over in the sinful desires for the degrading of their bodies with one another, (v. 24).
[BKC, p. 443]:
"One aspect of mankind's corruption (to which God actively let people go) was sexual profligacy. The frequency of live-in lovers, wife-swapping, and group sex parties today only confirms this result of God's abandonment. Sex within marriage is a holy gift from God, but otherwise sex is impurity (lit., 'uncleanness') and the degrading of ... bodies by using them contrary to God's intent."
GOD ACTS AS A RESTRAINER OF THE SINFUL DESIRES WITHIN MAN
(Ro 1:24) "Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another." =
Notice the phrase "God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts" implies that God acts as a restrainer of the sinful desires within man. On the other hand He ceases to restrain sinful desires in those who lead godless and wicked lifestyles, i.e., immoral unbelievers.
(v. 18) "The wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness... (v. 21) For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (v. 22) Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools (v. 23) and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. (v. 25) They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - Who is forever praised. Amen." =
So those that know God but do not glorify Him nor give thanks to Him but instead suppress the truth about God which is plain to all mankind, (vv 18-20), i.e., Who He is and the righteousness He expects from mankind, (vv. 17, 20-21), i.e, immoral unbelievers do this by their wickedness, i.e., their evil behavior. They are ungodly and wicked in their behavior and by this behavior suppress the truth, (v. 18). As a result they become futile in their thinking wherein their foolish hearts (minds = mentality which are already stipulated as foolish), become darkened, (v. 21). Nevertheless, they claim to be wise yet they become fools in their attempt to refute evidence from creation which clearly testifies to what can be known about God, especially as to His invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, (v. 19-22). In effect these godless, wicked unbelievers have "exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator", (v. 25).
REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT MEN WORSHIP GOD, HE IS DECLARED AS BEING FOREVER PRAISED
(v. 20) "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse... (v. 25) They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - Who is forever praised. Amen." =
Notice that regardless of whether or not men worship God, He is declared as being forever praised. Verse 20 indicates that all creation clearly shows God's invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature. In this regard all Creation praises God - even mankind who is wonderfully made. Paul's "Amen" at the end of verse 25 makes this emphatic.
(v. 18) "The wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, (v. 19) since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.. (v. 21) For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (v. 25) They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - Who is forever praised. Amen. (v. 26) Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. (v. 27) In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion." =
To know God which knowledge is made plain to all men, yet be godless and wicked is to suppress the plain truth about God, to become a futile, immoral unbeliever who is foolish in his thinking unto a darkened mind, (v. 21), who exchanges the truth of God for a lie and worships and serves created things rather than the Creator, (v. 25). Because of this God gives the immoral unbeliever over as an expression of His wrath (v. 18), to the sinful desires of the unbeliever's heart, (v. 24), even to the shameful lusts of homosexuality that he himself entertains but was restrained by God, (vv. 26-27)
Notice that the wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men of all ages who suppress the truth by their wickedness, (v. 18), i.e., immoral unbelievers.
In view of the context of vv. 18-20 which has all mankind of all ages in view, the occurrence of past tenses in later verses portrays specific examples of the pattern of God's wrath being revealed for all ages in response to man's godlessness and wickedness. So all individuals of all ages are in view, not just a group from the past and no other.
[BKC, p. 443]:
"In a sense this verse (v. 25), repeats the truth of verse 23, but it expresses more. The truth of God is not only the truth concerning all things, including mankind. This truth is that people are creatures of God and can find true fulfillment only in worshiping and obediently serving God the Creator. A lie (lit., 'the lie') on the other hand says that the creature - angelic ... or human.. - can exist independently of God, self-sufficient, self-directing, and self-fulfilling. Mankind made himself his god in place of the true God. Because God the Creator is forever praised (in contrast with creatures who are undeserving of worship), Paul added Amen. This word transilterates in both Greek and English the Hebrew word meaning 'so let it be.' As an affirmation, not a wish, it places approval on what has just been said."
Notice that same sex sexual relations, i.e., homosexuality is stipulated as a shameful, unnatural, indecent, perverse lust. Men and women are in view. Evidently this shameful, unnatural, indecent, perverse lust is an inherent sinful desire within individuals. At a certain point of their expressing this kind of godlessness and wickedness, God no longer restrains it, but turns them over to it. Thus it is revealed all the more to mankind as evidence of God's wrath.
(v. 26) "Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. (v. 27) In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. =
Notice that sexual relations between a man and a woman are stipulated in v. 27 as natural, i.e., ordained by God as His natural order; hence men with men and women with women is unnatural. So all same sex sexual activity is condemned as wicked and godless, including those who claim to be 'born' homosexuals. No one is thus created to be a homosexual, such activity is unnatural, ungodly and wicked.
(v. 28) "Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, He gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. (v. 29) They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, (v. 30) slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; (v. 31) they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless." =
The word "Furthermore" in v. 28 continues to portray the downslide of human depravity in immoral unbelievers resulting from not thinking it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God and God's wrath of turning them over to their choice of ever increasing self-destructive sin leading to premature physical death.
So a deliberately godless and wicked lifestyle pattern is thus filled up with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. One becomes full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. Such individuals are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, boastful, disobedient to parents, senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Note that the descriptive terms just listed are not just idle words or dramatic expressions to motivate an individual to repent of wickedness and godlessness. The words actually reflect the thoughts, words and deeds of individuals whose lifestyle continually suppresses the truth of God, Who He is and the righteousness He expects from mankind.
(v. 28) "Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, He gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. (v. 29) They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, (v. 30) slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; (v. 31) they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless." (cont.) =
It is implied in these verses that God restrains sinful behavior in mankind until individuals rebel against God and become godless and wicked, immoral unbelievers, suppressing the truth about God by their wickedness. Then He gives "them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done," which has self-destructive effects on individuals even to the extent of premature physical death. So God is concerned for individuals, and restrains sinful behavior which is harmful to them for their benefit until immoral unbelievers reject His efforts by their godlessness, wickedness and suppression of the truth about God, (unbelief).
(v. 17 NKJV) "For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.' (v. 18) The wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness... (v. 20) For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse... (v. 29) They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, (v. 30) slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; (v. 31) they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. (v. 32) Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." =
Since salvation unto eternal life by faith apart from human doing is in view, (vv. 16-17) and eternal death is a result of not receiving justification by faith apart from human doing; then the word "death" in v. 32 which is caused by being turned over by God to the deadly destructive results of the evil human doing of immoral unbelievers refers in this case to the another kind of death, premature physical death as a result of being turned over by God in their mortal lives to ever increasing sin.
Since all mankind in general is in view in v. 20 which sets the context of v. 32, then all men in general are in view in v. 32; hence all men are stipulated as knowing God's righteous decree that all who do such things as listed in vv. 29-31 deserve physical death, i.e., premature physical death, (cf. vv. 17-18) Note that other passages deal with the subject of eternal death being caused by sin.
Notice that all men are stipulated as being provided with the knowledge of God such that all are without excuse, (v. 20). Such knowledge of God includes Who He is and the righteousness He expects from mankind, (vv. 17-32).
(v. 32) "Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." =
Not only do immoral unbelievers do such things as in vv. 30-31 which deserves physical death, but they approve of those who practice such evil things, justifying their condemnation all the more.
********* END OF EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER ONE **********
I) [Ro 2:1]:
"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things."
"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things." =
"Pass judgment" = a decision that someone is doing something wrong with a view to some kind of punishment due. Relatively moral unbelievers, who are in view in this verse by virtue of the phrase, "you who pass judgment do the same things" (as listed in vv. 1:18-32 which includes unbelief), may or may not view this judgment/punishment as undergoing God's wrath even going to hell, but by their own code of behavior they evidently believe some kind of punishment will be due others they condemn in this life and in the next to those who don't meet their personal code of behavior. It is implied that these judgmental unbelievers do not consider themselves violaters of their own personal behavior code, which is characteristic of those who judge others. These unbelievers are playing God without a perspective of the reality that they are also guilty of things they are judging others for - even by their own rules of behavior. They are certainly guilty of violating God's code of behavior, especially the sin of self-righteousness.
(v. 1:18) "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, (v. 1:19) since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. (v. 1:20) For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. (v. 1:21) For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (v. 1:22) Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools (v. 1:23) and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. (v. 1:24) Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. (v. 1:25) They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised. Amen. (v. 1:26) Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. (v. 1:27) In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. (v. 1:28) Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. (v. 1:29) They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, (v. 1:30) slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; (v. 1:31) they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. (v. 1:32) Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. (v. 2:1) You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things." =
dio .............anapologEtos ei ..........w .anthrOpe pas ....
Therefore, inexcusable ....you are O .man .........every one
ho krinOn en hO ...gar krineis .....ton heteron seauton
.....judging in what for .you judge the other .....yourself
katakrineis ...ta ..gar auta ............prasseis ..................ho ........krinOn
you condemn the for .same things you are practicing the one judging
"krinOn", "krineis" = Str. # 2919 = to exercise judgment upon, pass judgment, call to account..
"katakrineis" = Str. # 2632 = give judgment against, condemn
So condemnatory judgment is in view. This is corroborated by the greek verb "katakrineis" = "you condemn" in the last part of the verse which has the consequence in view of the escalating temporal wrath of God as an exercise of His condemnation upon those who insist upon godlessness and wickedness.
In view in 2:1 are self-righteous, moral unbelievers - Jews and Gentiles alike, in the absence of any exclusion. They are portrayed as condemning immoral unbelievers for the lifestyle they lead which is portrayed in 1:18-32. This implies that the moral unbelievers led relatively moral lives and considered themselves beyond any judgment.
Moral unbelievers falsely consider themselves not at all to be in view as those described in 1:18-32 because of their higher standard of moral behavior. They consequently pass condemnatory judgment upon those that act relatively less moral than they do. Since they are unbelievers, they are blinded to the fact that they do the same things to some degree. By their unbelief they suppress the truth about God. They are not without sin. They are certainly not above God's reproach as they think.
This is corroborated by the end of the verse which stipulates that "at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things." Considering the key theme in this passage of attaining a righteousness from God unto eternal life, this implies that God's judgment of eternal condemnation on them is forthcoming.
[The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Victor Books, USA, 1988, Walvoor & Zuck, Eds, pp. 444-5]:
"Some pagans had high ethical standards and moral lifestyles and condemned the widespread moral corruption of their contemporaries. In addition the Jews morally stood in sharp contrast with the pagan world around them and freely condemned the Gentiles. Both groups of moralists might conclude that God's condemnation did not apply to them because of their higher planes of living. But Paul insisted that they also stood condemned because they were doing the same things for which they judged others.
Therefore, Paul declared, at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself. Everyone in the entire human race has turned away from God and commits sins even though there are differences of frequency, extent, and degree. In addition the entire human race, especially moral pagans and the Jews, stood condemned before God."
(v. 1:18) "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, (v. 1:19) since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. (v. 1:20) For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. (v. 1:21) For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (v. 1:22) Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools (v. 1:23) and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. (v. 1:24) Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. (v. 1:25) They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised. Amen. (v. 1:26) Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. (v. 1:27) In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. (v. 1:28) Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. (v. 1:29) They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, (v. 1:30) slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; (v. 1:31) they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. (v. 1:32) Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. (v. 2:1) You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things." =
Since those in view in 2:1 are stipulated as passing condemnatory judgment on immoral unbelievers by virtue of observing the latters' lifestyle being filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity, it is implied that the former are not living a lifestyle that is depraved to that degree.
Insofar as an unbeliever resists a godless and wicked lifestyle, living a relatively moral life by God's precepts, it can be concluded that God restrains self-destructive sinful behavior within that unbeliever enabling his lifestyle to be relatively preserved in quality and duration; but this does not mean that the unbeliever is without sin nor that he will escape God's eternal condemnatory judgment in the future.
(v. 1:18) "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, (v. 1:19) since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. (v. 1:20) For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. (v. 1:21) For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (v. 1:22) Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools (v. 1:23) and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. (v. 1:24) Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. (v. 1:25) They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen. (v. 1:26) Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. (v. 1:27) In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. (v. 1:28) Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. (v. 1:29) They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, (v. 1:30) slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; (v. 1:31) they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. (v. 1:32) Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. (v. 2:1) You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things." (cont.) =
Since there is no one who is excluded from being in view in 1:18-32 to some extent; then there is none righteous, no one is beyond God's condemnation.
(v. 10) "As it is written: 'There is no one righteous, not even one;
(v. 11) there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.
(v. 12) All have tunred away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.' "
(v. 2) "Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth
(v. 3 NKJV) So when you, O man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment?"
(v. 1) "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. (v. 2) Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth." =
God's judgment is "against those who do such things", i.e., that which is godless and wicked and by their wickedness suppress the truth about God: that He exists, is righteous, sovereign and requires man to be righteous. God's judgment verse 2:2 stipulates is based on truth, i.e., facts and reality. On the other hand, man's judgment apart from God, it is implied, is based on untruth, i.e., hypocrisy and self-deception. Hence God's judgment is superior and valid as opposed to man's apart from God, which is inferior and invalid.
[Expositors, p. 28 cont.]:
"True judgment rests on the ability to discern the facts in a given case. If one is able to see the sin and hopelessness of the Gentile, he should logically be able to see himself as being in the same predicament. But he is so taken up with the faults of others that he does not consider his own failures.... The charge that he who passes judgment does the same things he sees in others is enlarged in 2:17-24. There is a real sting in the allegation "you... do the same things," for the word "do" is the term used in 1:32 for the practices of the benighted Gentile. Paul repeats it in v. 2. As he moves to state the first of the principles of divine judgment, he carries the observer with him. Surely this man will agree ("we know") that when God pronounces judgment on those who make a practice of indulging in sin, his judgment is based on truth. This has no reference to the truth of the gospel, but simply means that the judgment is reached on the basis of reality, on the facts of the case, not on the basis of appearances or of a man's pretensions. "Do you think you will escape God's judgment?" Two words are emphatic here, "think" and "you." Paul is reading the inmost thoughts of the Jew, whom he understands thoroughly from his own pre-Christian experience."
[BKC, cont., p. 444-5]:
"2:2-3. The first divine standard of judgment is truth... Truth - absolute, infinite truth - is unquestionably one of God's essential attributes. As a result when God's judgment of people is declared to be based on (lit. 'according to') 'truth,' no escape from that judgment is possible for anyone. All are without 'excuse' (Rom 2:1) and without 'escape.' One may be moral and he may even judge his contemporaries as totally enmeshed in a depraved lifestyle, but yet he is judged by God because he does the same things (cf. v. 1)."
(v. 1) "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. (v. 2) Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. (v. 3 NKJV) So when you, O man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment?" =
Man's condemnatory judgment of others for things they do themselves implies that they think they will not be judged by God, but such will not be the case. Evidently those that lead relatively moral lives by and large do not receive God's temporal, condemnatory judgment; but the absence of such does not rule out God's judgment in the future.
(v. 4) "Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?"
(v. 1) "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. (v. 2) Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. (v. 3 NKJV) So when you, O man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? (v. 4) Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" =
Repentance = "metanoian" = a change of mind. In this passage, it signifies a change of mind toward acknowledging that one is accountable for "doing the same things" as the immoral unbelievers, (v. 2:1), i.e., godlessness (unbelief), wickedness (sin), (v. 1:18) with a view to escaping God's temporal and eternal judgment. Hence the repentance here is toward becoming a believer in the gospel, (1:16-17), and not toward a change of behavior in order to receive a righteousness from God by human doing.
Moral unbelievers who by virtue of their moral lifestyles do not experience God's temporal wrath of unrestrained self-destructive sin, condemn immoral unbelievers for their relatively more godless and wicked lifestyles. The moral unbelievers evidence contempt for the riches of God's kindness which leads them toward repentance from their own godlessness and wickedness and unbelief in their accountability to God and the gospel.
Moral unbelievers condemn others for things they do themselves to some degree. They have concluded that since they are relatively more moral than others, (hence they are not undergoing God's temporal wrath of ever increasing self-destructive sin leading to premature physical death to which it can be observed happening to immoral unbelievers), they will not undergo God's future and eternal wrath. Hence their attitude is one of contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance and patience. They do not realize that God's kindness by being tolerant and patient with them by exercising His mercy and not His temporal wrath on them is purposed to lead them toward repentance = a change of mind from unbelief and godlessness to belief in the gospel unto eternal life and living by faith in Him.
[Expositors, cont.]:
"Paul carries the probing deeper still (v. 4), suggesting that in addition to self-righteousness with its accompanying false security there is an ignoring and despising of the fact that God, to be true to Himself, must bring sin into judgment. There is even a scornful attitude toward God's forbearance with his people Israel, as though that forbearance were but a confirmation of their security, if not a sign of weakness on God's part...
In this passage 'tolerance' and 'patience' seem to be explanatory of 'kindness,' which is repeated as the governing thought. The word rendered 'tolerance' has the idea of self-restraint. In classical Greek it is used of a temporary truce. 'Patience' is literally 'longspiritedness.' The intent of the kindness is to give opportunity for repentance..."
[BKC, cont.]:
"2:4. By not exacting His divine penalty on sinful humanity immediately, God is displaying the riches of His kindness (chrEstolEtos, 'benevolence in action,' ... tolerance, and patience... God's purpose is to lead people toward repentance - a return to Him - through His kindness. (This word for 'kindness' is chrEstos, a synonym of chrEstotEtos, also trans,. 'kindness,' used earlier in the verse.) Both words mean 'what is suitable or fitting to a need.'... Not realizing (lit., 'being ignorant of') God's purpose, people showed contempt for (kataphroneis, 'you thought down on') God's attributes and actions (cf. 'suppress the truth', Rom 1:18). People knew of God's Being through natural revelation (1:19-21, 28), but did not know the purpose of His kindness..."
(v. 5) "But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed."
(v. 1:18) "The wrath of God is revealed [to men] from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness"... (v. 2:1) You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. (v. 2:2) Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. (v. 2:3 NKJV) So when you, O man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? (v. 2:4) Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? (v. 2:5) But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed." =
So long as moral unbelievers remain stubborn and unrepentant relative to acknowledging their sins and unbelief in God and the gospel, they "are storing up wrath against themselves for the day of God's wrath, when His righteous judgment toward them will be revealed." The phrase 'day of God's wrath' refers to a time, (not necessarily the only time), in the future, and not necessarily a 24 hour day, when God's wrath will be exercised toward moral unbelievers as an expression of His righteous judgment. Notice that a time, (day), of temporal wrath is already here relative to God's wrath being revealed upon moral unbelievers during their current physical lifetimes, (v. 1:18).
(v. 2:6) "God will give to each person according to what he has done."
(v. 1:16) "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 1:17 NKJV) For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.' (v. 2:5) But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed. (v. 2:6) God will give to each person according to what he has done." =
Moral unbelievers are advised that God's future judgment is in view which has in store God giving each individual person according to what he has done. This verse immediately follows v. 5 which has in view the moral unbeliever who stores up wrath against himself for that day of judgment because of his stubborness and unrepentant heart which is implied as characteristic. Notice the phrase "according to what he has done" opens up the possibilities from eternal life to eternal wrath.
On the other hand, the key theme of this passage is the reception of the righteousness of God which is provided the individual, i.e., God judges the individual righteous when he expresses a moment of faith alone in Christ alone, the gospel, (vv. 1:2-4, 16-17).
(v. 2:7) To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life"
(v. 16) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 17 NKJV) For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.'... (v. 2:6) God will give to each person according to what he has done. (v. 2:7) To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life" =
Paul has already established that salvation unto eternal life requires a perfect righteousness from God given to man when he trusts alone in Christ alone unto eternal life - the gospel - as opposed to being acted out by the individual himself, (vv. 1:2-4, 16-17). Since this righteousness comes from God, it can be no less than perfect, hence it is not producible by man, who is imperfect.
God's standard of righteousness for an individual to receive eternal life by human doing is to be persistent in doing godly good, seeking godly glory, honor and immortality - a persistent godly lifestyle wherein sin is absent which is impossible with man. No one can legitimately seek immortality where sin is present in their efforts. Although each individual might have his own opinion of what doing good, seeking glory, honor and immortality is; it is God's perfect standard that is in view, not man's, which God's is absolutely holy and without sin. Therefore, any unaccountable sin in an individual's life cancels out the reception of eternal life.
In view is God as Judge wherein He stipulates His parameters for judging an individual in order to qualify him to receive eternal life: "To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life". This is not to imply that there are any individuals who will be given eternal life on the basis of human doing. God is stating the principles by which He will judge individualsrelative to the reception of eternal life, i.e., they must be declared righteous by His standard, as delineated in the Law.
Consider where this passage is leading:
(v. 10) "As it is written: 'There is no one righteous, not even one;
(v. 11) there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.
(v. 12) All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.'
(v. 20) Therefore no one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the Law; rather through the Law we become conscious of sin."
Relative to human doing, no one is declared righteous in God's sight, implying a perfect righteousness, not even one. There is no one who understands, nor seeks God, nor does good, not even one; and no one can be declared righteous by keeping the Law; rather by the Law one becomes conscious of sin. Hence no one can "by persistence in doing good, seek glory, honor and immortality," (v. 2:7) and thereby receive eternal life.
(v. 1:16) "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 1:17 NKJV) For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.' (v. 2:6) God will give to each person according to what he has done. (v. 2:7) To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality He will give eternal life." =
An individual is pictured here who is persistent "in doing good [whereby he] seeks glory, honor and immortality". Such a persistently good lifestyle is approved and acceptable by God to earn eternal life. This presumes that the individual has an understanding of doing godly good, seeking godly glory, godly honor and godly immortality, which is absolutely holy and without sin. At first glance this appears to be a contradiction to what has gone before in Romans chapters one and two, wherein eternal life is portrayed as provided solely by a moment of faith alone in Jesus Christ alone, (vv. 1:2-4, 16-17) because no one is righteous enough to escape God's wrath, (v. 2:1) and earn eternal life. Notice though that there is no statement to the fact that this is actually attainable by man, rather the passage so far has implied that this is not possible with man. In effect this is simply a statement as to God's standard whereby an individual receives eternal life.
(v. 8) "But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger."
(v. 2:6) "God will give to each person according to what he has done. (v. 2:7) To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life (v. 2:8) But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger." =
The word "But" which begins verse 2:8 introduces the standard of behavior which receives God's wrath and anger, the opposite of eternal life: "But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger." So eternal life won't result in those individuals "who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil" - things which all men do at one time or another. Hence to seek eternal life via ones own efforts is futile. On the other hand, the opposite of this kind of behavior is seeking God, living by the truth and being without sin, God's standard of receiving eternal life which is what is described in verse 7 as "persistence in doing good, seek [ing] glory, honor and immortality." This has been implied in this passage as unattainable by man except through faith alone in Christ alone, the gospel, (vv. 1:2-4, 16-17).
(v. 2:9) "There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile"
(v. 7) To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life (v. 8) But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. (v. 9) There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile" =
Verse 9 affirms verse 8's "for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil.... (v. 9): "There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil". Hence God's wrath will cause trouble and distress for every individual who commits any act of evil, evidently in this life and eternity. Since God's wrath is the opposite of God's eternal life, then any sin - which all individuals commit at least once in their lifetimes - will rule out the reception of eternal life via "persistence in doing good", (v. 2:7).
(v. 2:9) "There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile" =
God's wrath and anger in the form of trouble and distress will beset all individuals who are self-seeking, reject the truth and follow evil, which includes all individuals at times in their lives, the Jew first, then the Gentile. This implies that the Jew is held more accountable because he has evidently been given special attention by God toward the end of persistence in doing good which later verses indicate among other things: the Mosaic Law.
Notice that all men are in view in the phrase "every human being who does evil," hence all man are due God's wrath of trouble and distress without exception.
(v. 2:6) "God will give to each person according to what he has done.
(v. 2:7) To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life
(v. 2:8) But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
(v. 2:9) There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile;
(v. 2:10) but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile."
(v. 1:2) "The gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures (v. 1:3) regarding His Son, Who as to His human nature was a descendant of David, (v. 1:4) and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. (v. 1:16) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 1:17 NKJV) For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.'... (v. 2:6) God will give to each person according to what he has done. (v. 2:7) To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life. (v. 2:8) But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. (v. 2:9) There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; (v. 2:10) but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." =
The phrase "To those who by persistence in doing good", (v. 2:7), is an impossible task for man which is corroborated by the next verse, "But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil", (v. 2:8), which points to every single man, for no one can live a life completely free of rejection of truth and free of evil. Finally, verse 2:10: "But [eternal] glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good" implies the kind of good in the context which one must do to gain eternal life - a continuous godly and perfect lifestyle as implied in verse 7: "To those who by persistence in doing good seek[s] glory, honor and immortality He will give eternal life."
The "glory, honor and peace" which one receives for doing such good is that glory, honor and peace which is associated with the reception of eternal life as stipulated in verse 7, evidently both in ones mortal and eternal life.
An example of Someone Who persisted in doing 'eternal good' is Jesus Christ, the One in Whom an individual trusts in order to receive eternal life. He is the standard of perfect good an individual must persistently match without fault in order to receive eternal life. Of course, it has already been established that God's perfect standard of righteousness and eternal life are received solely upon a moment of faith alone in Christ alone, the gospel, (vv. 1:2-4), wherein a perfect righteousness from God is revealed in the believer unto eternal life, not through anything the individual does, (vv. 1:16-17).
(v. 11) "For God does not show favoritism.
(v. 12) All who sin apart from the Law will also perish apart from the Law, and all who sin under the Law will be judged by the Law.
(v. 13) For it is not those who hear the Law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the Law who will be declared righteous."
(v. 13) "For it is not those who hear the Law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the Law who will be declared righteous." =
The Law is a rule of life which standard is God's righeousness because when one observes it one is declared righteous by God. Hence the Law embodies the righteousness of God.
(v. 9) "There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; (v. 10) but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 11) For God does not show favoritism. (v. 12) All who sin apart from the Law will also perish apart from the Law, and all who sin under the Law will be judged by the Law." =
There is neither favoritism given to those under the Law nor to those apart from the Law. All men have sinned and will perish without the righteousness which is solely by faith alone in Christ alone - the gospel, (vv. 1:2-4, 16-17).
Each individual will be held accountable for the rule of life God has placed him under which points together with his conscience toward the rights and wrongs of God's absolute righteousness required for eternal life resulting in making men aware of sin and their inability to attain that goal by their deeds.
(v. 9) "There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; (v. 10) but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 11) For God does not show favoritism. (v. 12) All who sin apart from the Law will also perish apart from the Law, and all who sin under the Law will be judged by the Law," =
A future day of judgment is in view with future tense phrases such as "There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil," (v. 9) and "All who sin apart from the Law will also perish apart from the Law, and all who sin under the Law will be judged by the Law," (v. 12).
In view is an accounting of the lives of individuals under the Law and apart from the Law which amounts to every one who has ever lived. Since no one can claim to be without sin, evidently all will be held accountable for ones sins and will perish if those sins are not accounted for. Several verses after this is a verse which confirms that a future day of judgment is in view:
"This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares."
(v. 1:16) "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 1:17 NKJV) For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.'... (v. 9) "There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; (v. 10) but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 11) For God does not show favoritism. (v. 12) All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. (v. 13) For it is not those who hear the Law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the Law who will be declared righteous." =
Since "There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil", (v. 2:9a), then to be righteous in God's sight by human doing is to demonstrate an absolute, perfect and godly obedience to the Law; something that is not attainable by man's own efforts except through a moment of faith in the gospel as this passage has previously indicated, (vv. 1:2-4, 16-17). Notice that not just hearing but an absolutely perfect obedience to the Law, i.e., perfect godly living by the Law's standard of behavior, is required in order to be declared righteous in God's sight, implying a perfect righteousness, via human doing, to avoid perishing and receive eternal life.
(v. 1:2) "The gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures (v. 1:3) regarding His Son, Who as to His human nature was a descendant of David, (v. 1:4) and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. (v. 1:16) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 1:17 NKJV) For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.' (v. 2:6) God will give to each person according to what he has done. (v. 2:7) To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life. (v. 2:8) But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. (v. 2:9) There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; (v. 2:13) For it is not those who hear the Law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the Law who will be declared righteous." =
Since a moment of faith alone in Christ alone - the gospel - results in a righteousness from God imputed to the individual, the standard to receive eternal life, (vv. 1:2-4, 16-17),
likewise since unfaulting persistence in doing good, seeking glory, honor and immortality is stipulated as the standard of righteousness one must have for receiving eternal life, (v. 2:6-9);
moreover since perfect obedience to the requirments of the Law is also stipulated as the standard for an individual to be declared righteous unto eternal life, (vv. 2:13);
then a moment of faith alone in Christ alone - the gospel - is tantamount to meeting the standard of unfaulting persistence in doing good, seeking glory, honor and immortality via perfect obedience to the requirements of the Law in order to receive eternal life.
(v. 1:16) "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 1:17 NKJV) For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed [in one to mankind] from faith to faith, [i.e., out of ones belief in the gospel to faithfulness in ones life to that belief] just as it is written: 'The righteous will live [out the length of their lives] by faith.'... (v. 9) "There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; (v. 10) but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v. 11) For God does not show favoritism. (v. 12) All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. (v. 13) For it is not those who hear the Law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the Law who will be declared righteous." =
A distinction is made between hearing the Law and obeying it. A point is made which has in view those who are under the Law, Israelites, who have a history of hearing the Law, which is to say, understanding its precepts, but not obeying those precepts. The Israelites are portrayed in this passage as viewing that possession and understanding, (hearing), of the Law gave them a special standing with God over Gentiles. But being declared as having a righteousness from God would only be done by human doing if they obeyed the Law perfectly, which they did not characteristically do.
(v. 2:14) (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law,
(v. 2:15) since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)"
(v. 2:13) "For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (v. 2:14) (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, (v. 2:15) since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)" =
Paul provides a perspective of Gentiles - those who do not have the Law, for it was instituted exclusively for Jews, yet they have the capacity to do by nature, i.e., out of their consciences, things required by the Law. So when a Gentile obeys something in the content of the Law simply out of following his conscience, the conscience does the same thing as the Law for them.
This verse does not say that some Gentiles will obey their consciences in such a manner that their lifestyles are always in obedience to God's precepts in the Law. It has already been established in this passage that no one is capable of a lifestyle of perfect obedience to the precepts of the Law wherein they earn eternal life.
(v. 13) "For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (v. 14) (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, (v. 15) since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)" =
Notice that ones conscience has the capacity to bear witness to ones actions, accusing when one is not righteous and defending when one is. Conscience is herein defined as the thoughts one has which point to God's requirement of righteousness and that any righteousness comes from God.
(v. 2:16) "This will take place on the day when God will judge man's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares."
A) A DAY OR PERIOD OF TIME DEDICATED TO JUDGMENT OF ALL MEN BY GOD IN THE FUTURE IS IN VIEW
(v. 2:11) "For God does not show favoritism. (v. 2:12) All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. (v. 2:13) For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (v. 2:14) (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, (v. 2:15) since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consci