Scriptural Reflection
Romans 2:1–16
As we reflect on this passage, perhaps it is helpful to point out two things:
- Paul refutes fiercely
righteousness by works in the rest of his letter (see his quotations
from the Psalms in chapter three). Here, he is laying out the common
Jewish belief in gaining eternal life through good deeds (and of course,
no one is able to maintain good deeds).
- Paul begins to refute from here onwards the
erroneous Jewish belief that Jews will be treated differently (i.e. more
favorably) by God. Thus, some commentators believe that the
singular 2nd person “you” of v. 1 refers to self-righteous Jews. (In my
opinion, it more likely refers to Jewish Christians who still hold a
sense of superiority over Gentile Christians in the church at Rome; it
might also include Gentile nominal Christians whose lifestyle proves
their faith to be false.)
1. Perhaps, Paul senses (or rather knows) that his
hearers include self-righteous Christians (especially Jewish Christians)
who would totally agree with his indictment of the willful sins of the
gentile world. They might even enthusiastically join in with an
“amen”, though secretly they do exactly what the world does. Based
on the list of evils listed in the last chapter, examine yourself in
light of:
a. greed: In what way do you also exhibit greed in your life? (e.g. purchase of lottery ticket)
b. strife: Do you still harbor a grudge against anyone whom you do not forgive?
c. gossip: Have you recently passed along rumors with a less-than-pure motive?
d. boastfulness: Do you conveniently make
known some things which you are proud? (e.g. your children’s
achievement)
e. heartlessness: Have you ignored the plight of some needy person because of inconvenience or busyness?
2. The last chapter highlights the sin of homosexual
behavior. Which do you think is a more horrible sin — someone who
continues to live a homosexual lifestyle or a Christian who secretly
continues to commit adultery?
3. If a Christian continues to live in sin willfully,
what kind of offense to God would it be, according to v. 4?
4. What will happen to someone who has an unrepentant heart?
5. Will one’s Jewish heritage prevent them from God’s judgment?
6. Vv. 7-8 contrasts two kinds of people. What
is their basic difference — one of deeds or one of personal pursuits?
7. Vv. 9-10 contrasts two kinds of fate. Both
seem to be eschatological. But Paul’s emphasis seems to be on who
is first to receive their rightful judgment or reward (see also 1:16).
Who do you think is Paul’s ultimate target-audience and what is the
point he is trying to make?
8. The “law” refers to the Law of Moses. Thus those
under the “law” would be Jews. How would a Jew become righteous
under the law?
9. Since the Gentiles are not under the law, how can they become righteous?
10. According to James 2:10, in a practical sense, can those under the law, i.e. Jews, achieve righteousness?
11. Does this same principle apply to Gentiles whose law is written in their hearts?
12. If so, can any Gentile or anyone who has never
heard of the gospel, in a practical sense, achieve righteousness by
being obedient to their conscience?
13. What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?