Modern Bible Commentary On Romans 2

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. Romans 2:1-2

The apostle Paul is reiterating what Jesus told His disciples about passing judgment on someone else. First, you need to realize that for in the same way you judge others, you will also be judged—and with the same measure you use, it will be measured against you too (Matt. 7:2). Therefore, to avoid hypocrisy, first take the log out of your own eye so you can see well enough to take the speck from another believer’s eye.

As believers, it’s vital to grow in our Christian walk so that we are able to help others who are entangled by sin. This doesn’t mean we will reach perfection or entire sanctification, but there should be a level of maturity to aim for. Otherwise, how are we able to give sound counsel and advice? Proverbs 11:14 states, “Where there is no guidance, a people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” For these reasons, let’s strive to cultivate the fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:22) in our own lives so we can be effective in equipping the saints for the work of the ministry.

Read Romans 2:3-4

All of us will stand before the throne of God to give an account of our lives—whether good or bad (2 Cor. 5:10). There is no escaping this day because the omnipresent Lord has preordained it. The good news is that God is patient with creation. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all come to repentance and faith (2 Pet. 3:9). His kindness and grace is what leads believers to repentance. Moreover, God has given us His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life (Jn. 3:16).

Read Romans 2:5-9

In Romans 1, we learned that the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men. A stubborn and unrepentant heart will surely be met with strict judgment from God. For an unbeliever, this is a terrible day. Revelation 6:16 reveals this dreadful experience for unbelievers who ask the rocks to fall on them because they are afraid to stand before the throne of God and the wrath of the lamb. If you are unrepentant now, I implore you, be reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:20).”

God will repay each person according to what they have done. For those who seek glory, honor, and immortality by trusting in Jesus to wipe away their sins, they will be given eternal life. Believers will be clothed with the imperishable robe of Christ and put on immortality. This is the glorious news for those who have been born again by the Spirit of God.

However, for those who are self-focused, reject the truth of God, and enjoy lawlessness, the wrath and anger of God is pointed towards them. Unfortunately, many choose this broad way that leads to destruction rather than the narrow way that leads to life (Matt. 7:13).

Just think about Noah’s flood. People were mocking him and not heeding to the warning of a potential flood. And just as it was like in the days of Noah, so shall it be when the Son of Man returns (Lk. 17:26). That’s why it’s vital for Christians to urge the world to repent now and accept the free gift of eternal life before it’s too late.

Read Romans 2:10-11

Scripture mentions here that the Jews will be accountable first before the Gentiles, whether they do good by honoring the Lord, or whether they disobey His righteous decrees. As stated in Romans 1, God doesn’t show preference or favoritism from one ethnic group over the other. For Scripture makes it clear in Galatians 3:28 that all are equal in Christ: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Consequently, all of us will have to give an account for our actions.