Making clear that all of humanity has fallen short, Paul continues and explains that no one can escape the law for even those who do not have it in word have it placed upon their heart. Then to the one who does have the law and claims to do well by it, Paul calls them out and asks whether they do as they teach. Through this, he condemns them for dishonoring God by breaking the law and how this results in others blaspheming the Lord. Knowing that they would object and argue that they have been circumcised (an important Jewish ritual related to God’s promises), Paul states that it does not matter as breaking the law makes the sign useless; for whoever obeys the law is reconciled to God and one who does not obey is under his condemnation. It is not a matter of physical appearance, but it is about the inward reality.
Romans 2:12–29
God’s Judgment and the Law
[12] For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. [13] For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. [14] For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. [15] They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them [16] on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
[17] But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God [18] and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; [19] and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, [20] an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—[21] you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? [22] You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? [23] You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. [24] For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
[25] For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. [26] So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? [27] Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. [28] For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. [29] But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. (ESV)
Q: Starting here and through the next few chapters, Paul will be talking a lot about the law, circumcision, and justification. These concepts have high theological significance. Does studying things like this excite you? Intimidate you? Or do you have no experience at all with it? What are some of the benefits and also some of the pitfalls in engaging deep theology?
Q: The Jewish people in the church of Rome considered themselves as categorically different than the Gentile Christians. As a result they became arrogant and self-righteous toward them. What groups of people in our culture tend to think of themselves as categorically different and better than others? Are there any people that you tend to feel “better than”? How have you addressed this sin in your heart?
Q: “Action speaks louder than words” is a common quip we have all used to a great extent and Paul follows along on a similar train of thought in verse 13. Are there areas in your life where you feel you “talk” a lot better than you “walk”? What are they? And why is it so easy to fall into this trap?
Q: In verse 16, Paul says that God will judge people’s secrets as all are held accountable to the Law. He’s saying that though things may look well on the outside, God knows exactly what is at work inside our hearts. Does knowing this provide hope for you or despair? Is this good news or bad news? In what way?
Q: Verse 24 references hypocrisy among the Jews in Rome and how their actions are actually driving people away from God instead of towards him. What has been your experience with hypocrisy in the church? How is this true today? What steps can we personally take to prevent it?
Q: Paul distinguishes between outward and inward expression of faith, saying that God will praise the latter (v.28-29). We often experience this when we do religious things like attending church, hearing the sermon, and singing the songs, but our minds are completely elsewhere. What are some practices that help you internalize and live out your faith in such a way that it goes beyond going through the motions?
To learn more about the law which is frequently discussed in Romans watch this video from the Bible Project on the Law.