Romans 2
Summary. In this chapter, the Holy Spirit, speaking through the apostle Paul, teaches us about the Lord’s judgment and the accountability of all people to Him. He puts His law into the hearts of humans and judges their hearts. Romans 2:1-4. The judgment of God is pure and just. Only the Lord God Almighty has the authority to judge humans. Because of the sinful nature inherent in all people, no one has the right to judge others. The Lord God Almighty loves everyone, and it is His mercy that leads all to repentance. Romans 2:5-9. The day of the Lord’s judgment is fixed. The judgment of the Lord God Almighty is fair and straightforward. His own people will be judged first according to the law given to them. Others, the Lord will judge them according to the subconscious that the Lord had put in them from the beginning of life. Both will be judged fairly without taking sides. Romans 2:10-16. There is no partiality with God. God shows no favoritism towards Jews or Gentiles when it comes to following His law. He has placed a conscience in every human heart, allowing each person to understand His will. Everyone knows the difference between right and wrong, but not everyone chooses to follow the guidance that the Lord has put in their hearts. Romans 2:17-24. As children of God follow God’s commandments and be a true light. The written word of the Holy Bible is from the Lord God Almighty Himself. The Lord God Almighty desires for all humans to be saved. When we follow and obey the teachings of the Holy Bible, our souls find salvation. Romans 2:25-29. True circumcision is of the heart, not of the flesh. Circumcision is a matter of the heart, not of the body. The Lord God Almighty values not the physical acts that may glorify Him, but rather the condition of the heart, which defines a true worshiper. When the true heart (the heart of the soul) has been circumcised, that heart leads the soul to glorify the Lord God Almighty at all times.
1
Therefore, you are inexcusable, O man, each one who is judging; for in that which you judge other, you are condemning yourself; for you that judges do the same things.
Comments Romans 2:1
“Therefore, you are inexcusable ...” Human, read the word: think carefully. You are human; you have no right to judge another human. Only the Lord God Almighty has the authority to judge humans. Each one who judges the sins of others must use the Bible as the scale of right and wrong.
“For in that which you judge other ...” The sinful nature in humans makes no one have the authority to judge others. By what you judge, the Lord God Almighty will use that judgment to judge you. And the punishment of the Lord for that person will be greater than for those who they have judged.
“For in that which you judge other ...” The sinful nature in humans makes no one have the authority to judge others. By what you judge, the Lord God Almighty will use that judgment to judge you. And the punishment of the Lord for that person will be greater than for those who they have judged.
2
However, we know that the judgment of God is according to truth, upon those practicing such things.
Comments Romans 2:2
The judgment of the Lord God Almighty is pure and just; there is no taking sides or personal influence, but the Lord God Almighty sees the things humans do in the light and in the dark. Nothing is hidden. And your own deed will be used to judge you.
3
Now, reckon you this, O man, who judges those that practise such things, and does them, that you will escape the judgment of God ?
Comments Romans 2:3
“Now, reckon you this, O man ...” Humans pay attention to what is written here. The Lord God Almighty, with great mercy, leaves room and way for all humans not to commit sin against Him.
“That you will escape the judgment of God.” When you see someone doing wrong and does not get the punishment, do not think that the Lord God Almighty has no power. But the mercy of the Lord God Almighty also gives them a chance for repentance.
“That you will escape the judgment of God.” When you see someone doing wrong and does not get the punishment, do not think that the Lord God Almighty has no power. But the mercy of the Lord God Almighty also gives them a chance for repentance.
4
Or despises you the riches of H is kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?
Comments Romans 2:4
“Or despises you the riches of His kindness ...” When you see the greatness of the Lord’s mercy, do not stiffen your neck. The Lord gives mercy out of His kindness, but if you do not appreciate and give thanks to the Lord, His mercy will end, and you will suffer punishment.
“Not knowing that the kindness ...” The Lord God Almighty loves all humans, which is why His mercy leads all to repentance. When your heart is completely repentant, your actions will be in the right way to deserve His forgiveness.
“Not knowing that the kindness ...” The Lord God Almighty loves all humans, which is why His mercy leads all to repentance. When your heart is completely repentant, your actions will be in the right way to deserve His forgiveness.
5
However, according to your hardness and impenitent heart, you treasure up to yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God ;
Comments Romans 2:5
“However, according to your hardness ...” The Lord God Almighty’s mercy is great, and even when you are committing sin, He is still calling you in your heart. But if you ignore the small, whispering voice in your heart, the wrath of God will also come upon you.
“In the day of wrath and revelation ...” Even in the time of His anger, the righteous judgment of the Lord God Almighty is firm. The nature of the Lord God Almighty’s heart is kind and merciful. If you repent and turn back from your sins and beg for mercy, the Lord will forgive you.
“In the day of wrath and revelation ...” Even in the time of His anger, the righteous judgment of the Lord God Almighty is firm. The nature of the Lord God Almighty’s heart is kind and merciful. If you repent and turn back from your sins and beg for mercy, the Lord will forgive you.
6
who will give to each, according to his works,
Comments Romans 2:6
All readers give attention! The day of the Lord’s judgment is fixed for those who commit sin and deserve punishment. The judgment of the Lord is fair and kind. His judgment is kind because even in the time of judging, His mercy still comes. Repent and come back, the mercy is waiting.
7
to those that indeed, according to endurance in good works, are seeking glory and honor and incorruptibility, eternal life;
Comments Romans 2:7
For any human who seeks to follow the teachings of the Lord God Almighty, the Lord has many good things in store for them. The Lord God Almighty sees the hearts of all humans; what their hearts seek is open to His eyes.
8
however, to those out of selfish ambition and disobeying the truth, and being persuaded about unrighteousness, wrath, and anger,
Comments Romans 2:8
Whoever disobeys the teachings of the Lord, seeking and following the dark intentions, even seeking in the mind and heart, not acting yet, those also will receive a hard judgment, even if the deed is not yet committed. Having thoughts of doing evil already brings the soul to walk in the dark shade.
9
tribulation and difficulty, upon every soul of man that works evil, both of the Jew first, and of the Greek;
Comments Romans 2:9
The judgment of the Lord God Almighty is fair and straightforward. For His own people, they will be judged first according to His law that has been given to them. For others, the Lord will judge them according to the subconscious that the Lord had put in them from the beginning of life. Both will be judged fairly without taking sides. Every human receives the knowledge in their soul about the Lord God Almighty; regardless of where they are born, that knowledge will always be in them.
10
but glory and honor and peace to everyone that works good, both to the Jew first, and to the Greek.
Comments Romans 2:10
Anyone who pays attention to the voice in their hearts regarding thoughts and behavior, and does good, following the mind telling them from deep within their hearts, the Lord God Almighty will give their souls peace. And their souls will find rest when the person follows the voice in their hearts. The voice in the heart is not the same as hearing a voice with the ears. The ear may hear negative, but the heart hears differently. And the person who listens to the heart will act differently from what the ears are telling them.
11
For there is no partiality with God .
12
For as many as have sinned without the law will also perish without the law; and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law;
Comments Romans 2:12
“For as many as have sinned without ...” Those who have no knowledge of the rule and law of the Lord God Almighty, when they have committed sin against that law, their judgment will be lighter than that of others. Because they did commit sin without knowing the law outside of the world’s law, but committed sin against the law of the world, but the heart did not commit sin against the law of the Lord God Almighty. Without knowledge, the judgment will be based upon that.
“And as many as have sinned in ...” For those who know the law of God, not only the heart but the head also has been taught, but still commit the sin against the law of the Lord God Almighty, the judgment will be based upon the law itself, which will lead to the harder punishment because the Lord had already shown mercy to them to know the law.
“And as many as have sinned in ...” For those who know the law of God, not only the heart but the head also has been taught, but still commit the sin against the law of the Lord God Almighty, the judgment will be based upon the law itself, which will lead to the harder punishment because the Lord had already shown mercy to them to know the law.
13
for not the hearers of the law are righteous with God , but the doers of the law will be justified.
Comments Romans 2:13
“For not the hearers of the law ...” Humans have ears to hear many things, but when they hear things without thinking, their hearts grow dull. The Lord God Almighty created humans to have ears to be able to hear the law of the Lord that has been put in place for all humans.
“But the doers of the law ...” The ones who did not receive the teaching of the law of the Lord God Almighty, but their hearts link them to have the right behavior toward the law of the Lord Himself.
“But the doers of the law ...” The ones who did not receive the teaching of the law of the Lord God Almighty, but their hearts link them to have the right behavior toward the law of the Lord Himself.
14
For whenever Gentiles, not having the law, by nature do the things of the law, these, not having the law, are the law to themselves;
Comments Romans 2:14
The Gentiles who never heard of the Lord God Almighty, but in their hearts can hear the law of the Lord that had been written and proclaimed for humans, and lead them to follow it as it has been written, without anyone telling them to do so.
15
that they show the work of the law, written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness, and between one another, the thoughts accusing or also defending [them];
Comments Romans 2:15
“That they show the work of the law ...” Give attention to what the Lord declared clearly in this verse itself. The Lord God Almighty built in every human heart their own conscience that can connect and know the will of the Lord God Almighty. Each person knows what is right and what is wrong, but not everyone follows the guidance the Lord has put in their hearts.
“And between one another, the thoughts ...” Humans cannot accept one another’s abilities or that someone has a right conscience more than themselves. So some turn to use their own conscience to fight other humans, instead of using it to make peace and to come together to worship the Lord God Almighty, as the Lord has created all humans to love one another as family.
“And between one another, the thoughts ...” Humans cannot accept one another’s abilities or that someone has a right conscience more than themselves. So some turn to use their own conscience to fight other humans, instead of using it to make peace and to come together to worship the Lord God Almighty, as the Lord has created all humans to love one another as family.
16
on the day when God will judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ .
Comments Romans 2:16
“On the day when God will judge the ...” The Lord God Almighty set the time when He will judge all humans, and the secret of their hearts will be made known. Nothing can be hidden from the knowledge of the Lord God Almighty.
“According to my gospel, by Jesus Christ.” God the Father has sent the Lord Jesus Christ to be the bridge for every soul to have a chance to come and worship the Lord God Almighty. The Father has given the Lord Jesus authority to know all human hearts and to help them come to have faith. Because the Son has become the bridge, the Son has the duty as the bridge for human souls to know their hearts and help them to come to faith.
“According to my gospel, by Jesus Christ.” God the Father has sent the Lord Jesus Christ to be the bridge for every soul to have a chance to come and worship the Lord God Almighty. The Father has given the Lord Jesus authority to know all human hearts and to help them come to have faith. Because the Son has become the bridge, the Son has the duty as the bridge for human souls to know their hearts and help them to come to faith.
17
However, if you are named a Jew, and rest upon the law, and boast in God ,
Comments Romans 2:17
“However, if you are named a Jew.” If you are born as a child of God, and you yourself know who your God is, and acknowledge that you have been chosen to be His people.
“And rest upon the law ...” When you accept with your own heart who you belong to, be proud and thankful, and serve the Lord with all your heart and mind.
“And rest upon the law ...” When you accept with your own heart who you belong to, be proud and thankful, and serve the Lord with all your heart and mind.
18
and know the will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,
Comments Romans 2:18
When you acknowledge and accept who you are with your whole heart, you will also accept your duty. To be the Lord’s children, you also carry a specific duty in glorifying the Lord, and also use that privilege to spread the good news to people.
19
then are persuaded that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light to those in darkness,
Comments Romans 2:19
When a person lifts themselves up, believes they are the smart ones, needs no help from the Lord God Almighty, sets themselves up as leaders of others in all directions, and takes themselves in the place of God in leading the needy.
20
an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth;
Comments Romans 2:20
“An instructor of the foolish ...” When a person occupies themselves with being a leader without the qualifications to lead, yet when leading others, they themselves have no knowledge or ability to guide. As the blind try to lead someone to walk, both will fall into the pit. Also, the ones who try to guide the innocent in the wrong way, in the eyes of the Lord God Almighty, are the same as those who are destroying the baby, which is innocent in the eyes of the Lord God Almighty. This is a warning for all who read.
“Having in the law the form of ...” Pose themselves in high authority and to have the knowledge to teach, instead of asking guidance from the Holy Spirit to teach and guide people.
“Having in the law the form of ...” Pose themselves in high authority and to have the knowledge to teach, instead of asking guidance from the Holy Spirit to teach and guide people.
21
therefore, you who teach another, do not teach yourself? You who preach not to steal, do you steal?
Comments Romans 2:21
“Therefore, you who teach another ...” The ones who claim to have the knowledge to teach, use their mouths to teach others, but at the same time forget to use what they teach others to teach themselves. These are fake teachers, with fake teachings, bringing not only themselves but others to destruction.
“You who preach not to steal ...” Basic knowledge in all humans is not to steal, because stealing is a sin. But the ones who know that they should not steal and teach others not to steal, but they themselves, with greedy hearts, steal what does not belong to themselves.
“You who preach not to steal ...” Basic knowledge in all humans is not to steal, because stealing is a sin. But the ones who know that they should not steal and teach others not to steal, but they themselves, with greedy hearts, steal what does not belong to themselves.
22
You who say not to commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
Comments Romans 2:22
“You who say not to commit adultery ...” The Lord God Almighty created humans with the purpose of multiplication; lust is part of the multiplication. Marriage is for two people to satisfy each other’s lust. But when the lust happens and instead of doing it with your own partner, you go to do it elsewhere, that is called adultery, and also by your own actions, you have encouraged someone else to commit adultery.
“You who abhor idols ...” You who claim yourself to be a believer, the duty of a believer is also to support the temple. When you do not support the temple, you have committed the sin of stealing what it should be for the temple. You yourself become a robber of the temple.
“You who abhor idols ...” You who claim yourself to be a believer, the duty of a believer is also to support the temple. When you do not support the temple, you have committed the sin of stealing what it should be for the temple. You yourself become a robber of the temple.
23
You who boast in the law, through the transgression of the law do you dishonor God ?
Comments Romans 2:23
“You who boast in the law.” Humans remember to be humble; humility is an action pleasing to the Lord God Almighty. Be humble, as it is you, yourself, not because you are forced to be humble. The Lord wants the humble heart, not only the action alone. When your heart is humble, it makes your inner soul can feel true peace. When the Lord God Almighty is pleased with you, He will give you true peace for your soul.
“Through the transgression of the law ...” The Lord God Almighty gave humans the duty to establish the law to control human behavior. Whoever disobeys the law at the same time also disobeys the Lord God Almighty Himself.
“Through the transgression of the law ...” The Lord God Almighty gave humans the duty to establish the law to control human behavior. Whoever disobeys the law at the same time also disobeys the Lord God Almighty Himself.
24
For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you, even as it has been written.
Comments Romans 2:24
“For the name of God ...” The Lord God Almighty has chosen you to bear His name and take you as His children. But when you disobey the teachings and commandments of the Lord God Almighty, you have made the outsiders blaspheme the Lord God Almighty. When you are the cause for someone else to blaspheme, can you avoid punishment? Because when you make the name of the Lord be put down by the outsiders, your sins are equal to those who blaspheme.
“Even as it has been written.” The Lord God Almighty gave the Holy Bible for all humans to be saved. The written word of the Holy Bible is from the Lord God Almighty Himself. All have been written down not as history but as commandments. And the Lord God Almighty wants all humans to be saved. When humans follow and obey the Holy Bible, their souls are saved.
“Even as it has been written.” The Lord God Almighty gave the Holy Bible for all humans to be saved. The written word of the Holy Bible is from the Lord God Almighty Himself. All have been written down not as history but as commandments. And the Lord God Almighty wants all humans to be saved. When humans follow and obey the Holy Bible, their souls are saved.
25
For circumcision indeed profits, if you do the law; however, if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
Comments Romans 2:25
“For circumcision indeed profits ...” The Lord God Almighty gave the law for His children to circumcise the foreskin.
“However, if you are a transgressor ...” When you do not follow the commandments of the Lord, regardless of what bloodline you are, the Lord cuts you off from being His chosen. For the outsiders who keep the law, what they have done to follow the law has also made them people under the law of the Lord.
“However, if you are a transgressor ...” When you do not follow the commandments of the Lord, regardless of what bloodline you are, the Lord cuts you off from being His chosen. For the outsiders who keep the law, what they have done to follow the law has also made them people under the law of the Lord.
26
If, therefore, the uncircumcision keeps the ordinances of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be reckoned for circumcision?
Comments Romans 2:26
“If, therefore, the uncircumcision keeps ...” When outsiders keep the law of the Lord with sincere hearts, even if they do not do as the commandments require, their fault is wiped out, as it is not wrong. By faith, they become circumcised at heart, not in the body.
“Shall not his uncircumcision be ...” For the Lord God Almighty considers not the physical that glorify Him, but the heart is what will be counted as that of a true worshiper.
“Shall not his uncircumcision be ...” For the Lord God Almighty considers not the physical that glorify Him, but the heart is what will be counted as that of a true worshiper.
27
And the uncircumcision, by nature, fulfilling the law, will judge you who, through the letter and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law.
Comments Romans 2:27
“And the uncircumcision, by nature ...” In this verse, pay attention to the phrase, “by nature.” The person who, in their heart, is happy after they have received the circumcision of the heart and feels as if they are born to be this way, that feeling is pleasing to the Lord God Almighty.
“Will judge you who, through the letter ...” The ones who receive proper circumcision according to the law, following all the details, but after growing up, feel sorry that they have received the mark of circumcision, those will receive the judgment from the other group that receives the circumcision by nature. When the heart rejects the circumcision, that person becomes uncircumcised.
“Will judge you who, through the letter ...” The ones who receive proper circumcision according to the law, following all the details, but after growing up, feel sorry that they have received the mark of circumcision, those will receive the judgment from the other group that receives the circumcision by nature. When the heart rejects the circumcision, that person becomes uncircumcised.
28
For the one is not a Jew in the outward; neither is the one circumcised outwardly in the flesh;
Comments Romans 2:28
“For the one is not a Jew in the outward.” The children of the Lord have a different appearance from other people, and people always think what they see is the truth.
“Neither is the one circumcised ...” Many want to be part of the children of the Lord and believe it is a commandment to be circumcised. They force themselves to circumcise without knowing the true meaning of the circumcision that the Lord God Almighty had given to His people.
“Neither is the one circumcised ...” Many want to be part of the children of the Lord and believe it is a commandment to be circumcised. They force themselves to circumcise without knowing the true meaning of the circumcision that the Lord God Almighty had given to His people.
29
but he is a Jew who is inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, in the spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God .
Comments Romans 2:29
“But he is a Jew who is inwardly.” The one who has been put to be born as the children of the Lord, the Lord has put the mark in the heart of that soul, and that one is His child from within, not only from birth or other action.
“And circumcision is of the heart ...” The true children of the Lord God Almighty will be circumcised in their hearts to follow all the commandments without hesitation.
“Whose praise is not of men, but of God.” When the true heart (the heart of the soul) has been circumcised, that heart leads the soul to glorify the Lord God Almighty at all times.
“And circumcision is of the heart ...” The true children of the Lord God Almighty will be circumcised in their hearts to follow all the commandments without hesitation.
“Whose praise is not of men, but of God.” When the true heart (the heart of the soul) has been circumcised, that heart leads the soul to glorify the Lord God Almighty at all times.
Life and faith applications. 1) Only the Lord God Almighty has the authority to judge humans. Each one who judges the sins of others must use the Bible as the scale of right and wrong. 2) The Lord is patient and kind and wants all to repent and come to faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. 3) Meditate on the Word of God as the Lord calls us all to endurance in good works and to be a true light to those around us. 4) We must remember that the Lord God Almighty has fixed the time for the judgment of all, and we should revere Him and repent of all our unrighteousness. 5) Circumcision is a matter of the heart, not of the flesh; therefore, we should be doers of the law of God and not merely hearers. The Lord has placed His law of right and wrong in every human heart.