READ ROMANS 2:1-16

As we transition to chapter two it is important to be reminded that the later portion of Romans, chapter one, focused upon the guilt of godless gentiles, Paul now directs his attention toward the hypocrisy of self-righteous Judaism. It is all part of his greater goal of establishing charges against the entire human race—both Jew and Gentile. This thought culminates in Romans 3:22-23.  It is helpful to note that the early church at Rome was made up of a large proportion of recently converted Jews. They were struggling with the distinction between Jew and Gentile. There was a long body of Jewish tradition and prejudice which had to be unlearned. It may also be assumed that Paul intended for unsaved Jews to read his inspired reasoning. Hopefully, they would arrive at the knowledge of the truth.

Notice Romans 2:6-11, "Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11For there is no respect of persons with God." 

Paul develops how God’s coming judgment will be against both Jew and Gentile. It will be impartial, without respect of persons.  Paul is not addressing the means of salvation in these verses, but rather, he is developing the idea that God will impartially judge Jew and Gentile alike.  Eternal life isn't obtained through good works. So what Paul is touching upon generically is how those pleasing to God will ultimately have eternal life. The means of that salvation will be described in detail toward the latter portion of chapter three, as well as chapters four and five.

In contrast, those who are unrighteous will face God’s “indignation and wrath” (i.e., God’s judgment). The two basic New Testament words for God’s wrath are noted. The word translated as "indignation" has the idea of anger. The word translated "wrath" has the sense of a long-term response against sin.  Those who choose to live in sin will additionally find “Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile.” The Bible makes plain that the way of the transgressor is hard. Not only is there judgment waiting ahead, but there is also a lifetime of trouble and heartache. Sin always brings trouble. This is true whether the sinner is a Jew or Gentile. Contrariwise, there is “...glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile.” The thought is, those who seek the righteousness of God, doing good before God, will have the blessings of God through honor, peace, and glory, even in this life. Again, it doesn't matter whether one is a Jew or a Gentile. The larger truth is that Paul is attempting to break the hard-hearted, self-righteousness of so many Jews of his day. As the Word here teaches, “...there is no respect of persons with God.” This would come as a shock for many Jews who assumed God would extend preferential treatment simply because they were Jews.

We can count on the fact that everyone will be judged in the same manner by God!  No one will be an exception.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Will God show any favoritism when He judges the people (including you) of the world? Explain.

2.  Upon what basis will God judge the people of the world?  

3.  Knowing the basis upon which God will judge the world, how should it impact the way you live?

4.  What can you do to make sure you are ready for God’s judgment?