FocusGod's impartial judgment
Connection to the wholeThe address turns against the person who condemns others while practicing sin, stressing judgment according to truth rather than privilege.
interpretation Romans 2:8
KJVBut unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Read it in context
God's Righteous Judgment
Start reading at Romans 2:1 (Romans 2:1 to Romans 2:29).
This unit establishes God's impartial judgment for all humanity, both those with and without the law, and applies it specifically to the Jew, highlighting the consequences of obedience and disobedience.
- 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
- 2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
- 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
- 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
- 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
- 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
- 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
- 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
- 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
- 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
- 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
- 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
- 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
- 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
- 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
- 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
- 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
- 2:18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
- 2:19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
- 2:20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
- 2:21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
- 2:22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
- 2:23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
- 2:24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
- 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
- 2:26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
- 2:27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
- 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
- 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 1:1–3:31): Paul addresses the believers in Rome about the accountability of Jews and Gentiles before God. His challenges to a judging person or one called a Jew are rhetorical addresses within the letter. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is God's righteous judgment, specifically the indignation and wrath that will be rendered to those who are contentious, do not obey the truth, and obey unrighteousness.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His righteous judgment, showing that He will render indignation and wrath upon those who are contentious and choose to obey unrighteousness rather than the truth.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle, characterized by didactic teaching and argumentative discourse, presenting a theological argument about God's judgment.
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 57. book background
- When does the event take place? The events described, specifically the rendering of indignation and wrath, will take place on "the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God," when God "shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ." stated in the text
Where
- Where did it happen? The judgment described is universal, applying to all humanity, and is not tied to a specific earthly location. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Corinth when he wrote this epistle. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in God's Righteous Judgment (Romans 2:1 to Romans 2:29). Start reading at Romans 2:1. This unit establishes God's impartial judgment for all humanity, both those with and without the law, and applies it specifically to the Jew, highlighting the consequences of obedience and disobedience.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse is central to Paul's argument in Romans 2, which establishes that all humanity, both Jew and Gentile, is accountable to God and under His righteous judgment. It contrasts the outcome for those who patiently do well with the outcome for those who are contentious and disobedient to the truth. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The passage points to Christ by stating that God "shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ," indicating Christ's essential role in the righteous judgment of God. stated in the text
- How do I apply it today? This passage serves as a solemn warning that God's judgment is impartial and will be rendered to every person according to their deeds. It calls believers to obey the truth and avoid contentiousness and unrighteousness, knowing that such actions incur God's indignation and wrath. It encourages self-examination and repentance rather than judging others hypocritically. interpretation
Cited: Romans 1:1, Romans 1:7, Romans 2:1, Romans 2:2, Romans 2:3, Romans 2:4, Romans 2:5, Romans 2:6, Romans 2:7, Romans 2:8, Romans 2:9, Romans 2:10, Romans 2:11, Romans 2:13, Romans 2:14, Romans 2:16, Romans 2:17, Romans 2:23, Romans 2:24, Romans 2:26, Romans 2:27, Romans 2:29
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse, and Tertius names himself as the scribe.
Romans 1:1Romans 16:22
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- contentious Prov 13:10 1 Cor 11:16 1 Tim 6:3-4 Titus 3:9
- and do not Rom 1:18 Rom 6:17 Rom 10:16 Rom 15:18 Job 24:13 Isa 50:10 2 Thess 1:8 Heb 5:9
- but obey John 3:18-21 2 Thess 2:10-12 Heb 3:12-13
- indignation Rom 9:22 Ps 90:11 Nah 1:6 Heb 10:27 Rev 14:10 Rev 16:19
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 2
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions.
Romans 1:1 Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4 Romans 8:9
The law and circumcision
Romans 2:17–29FocusProfession and inward reality
Connection to the wholePaul challenges confidence in possessing the law and circumcision when conduct contradicts them, preparing the question of Jewish advantage in chapter 3.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4
Opening and theme
Romans 1:1–17FocusThe gospel and faith
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
interpretation FocusSin and accountability
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
interpretation God’s provision in Christ
Romans 3:21–5:21FocusFaith, grace, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
interpretation Newness of life
Romans 6:1–8:39FocusBaptism, service, and life in the Spirit
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
interpretation Israel and the Gentiles
Romans 9:1–11:36FocusPromise, faith, and mercy
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
interpretation Living out God’s mercies
Romans 12:1–15:13FocusService, love, and mutual care
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
interpretation Ministry and closing
Romans 15:14–16:27FocusPlans, greetings, and final exhortation
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.