Romans 2

Last updated
Romans 2
←  chapter 1
chapter 3  →
Papyrus 40, Fr. c - h.jpeg
Fragment c to h containing parts of the Epistle to the Romans in Papyrus 40, written c. AD 250
Book Epistle to the Romans
Category Pauline epistles
Christian Bible part New Testament
Order in the Christian part6

Romans 2 is the second chapter of the Epistle to the Romans in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It was written by Paul the Apostle, while he was in Corinth in the mid-50s AD, [1] with the help of an amanuensis (secretary), Tertius, who adds his own greeting in Romans 16:22. [2] Biblical scholar William Sanday observes that although "the main theme of the Epistle [is] the doctrine of justification by faith", in verse 6 Paul "lays down with unmistakable definiteness and precision the doctrine that works, what a man has done, the moral tenor of his life, will be the standard by which he will be judged at the last day". [3]

Contents

Text

The original text was written in Koine Greek. This chapter is divided into 29 verses.

Textual witnesses

Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter are:

Romans 2:12-13 on Papyrus 113 (3rd century). P113-Rom-2 12-13-POxy-4497-III.jpg
Romans 2:12–13 on Papyrus 113 (3rd century).

Old Testament references

New Testament references

Analysis

Paul's rhetoric style here and in other parts of the epistle (cf. Romans 3:1-9; 3:27–4:25; 9:19–21; 10:14–21; 11:17–24; 14:4–12) resembles the diatribe , [5] a form of argumentation by 'debating' with an imaginary opponent (as common among Cynic or Stoic philosophers), such as responding to objections using the expression "by no means!" (me genoito; cf. Romans 3:4, 6, 31; 6:2,15; 7:7,13; 9:14; 11:1, 11) to 'pull' the reader into the 'conversation' on Paul's side. Unlike in Romans 2:17–3:20 where Paul plainly addresses a Jewish interlocutor, the dialogue partner in verses 1–16 is not explicitly identified. The Jerusalem Bible states that the opening verses are addressed to the Jews, [6] while Craig Hill observes that the whole of Romans 2:1–3:20 "speaks to perceived Jewish attitudes". [5]

God's righteous judgment

Verse 2

But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. [7]

Sanday notes Paul's assumption that this statement "will be acknowledged as a general principle by his readers, whether Jew or Gentile". [3]

No partiality with God

Verse 11

For there is no partiality with God.

— Romans 2:11, New King James Version [8]

Verse 16

On that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. [11]

This is the only reference to Jesus Christ after Paul's initial thanksgiving in Romans 1:8 until his reference to faith in Jesus Christ in Romans 3:22-26. Hill finds "almost nothing" to be "distinctly Christian" at this point in Paul's letter. [12]

Verse 17

Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, [13]

The Textus Receptus (1550) reads Greek : ιδε συ ιουδαιος επονομαζη, [14] ide su ioudaios eponomazē, which was translated in the King James Version as "Behold, thou art called a Jew". But many translations read "If you call yourself a Jew". [15] Antoine Augustin Calmet lists "many manuscripts, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, St. Ambrose, Sedulius Scottus, Theophylactus, and the Latin Vulgate as reflecting the latter reading. [16] Sanday calls the King James reading "corrupt" noting that the reading "but if" reflects "a decisive consensus of the best manuscripts". [3]

Circumcision

Paul refers to circumcision as a physical mark of Jewish identity, but for a Jew who breaks the law it becomes a sign of contradiction: "your circumcision has become uncircumcision" (Romans 2:25). [17] The prophet Jeremiah had spoken of those who were "circumcised yet uncircumcised" (Jeremiah 9:25). [18] Paul reiterates the teaching of Moses that:

He is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter

— Romans 2:25, New King James Version [19]

drawing on Moses' words in Deuteronomy 30:6:

The Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.

— Deuteronomy 30:6, New King James Version [20]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John 5</span> Chapter of the New Testament

John 5 is the fifth chapter of the Gospel of John of the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It relates Jesus' healing and teaching in Jerusalem, and begins to evidence the hostility shown him by the Jewish authorities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Romans 13</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Romans 13 is the thirteenth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It was authored by Paul the Apostle, while he was in Corinth in the mid-50s AD, with the help of an amanuensis (secretary), Tertius, who adds his own greeting in Romans 16:22.

Romans 9 is the ninth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle, while he was in Corinth in the mid-50s AD, with the help of an amanuensis (secretary), Tertius, who adds his own greeting in Romans 16:22. This chapter is concerned with Paul's vindication of "the faithfulness of God".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ephesians 6</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Ephesians 6 is the sixth chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Traditionally, it is believed to be written by Apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome, but more recently, it is suggested to be written between AD 80 and 100 by another writer using Paul's name and style. This chapter is a part of Paul's exhortation, with the particular section about how Christians should live in their responsibilities as households (5:21–6:9) and in the battle against spiritual forces (6:10–20), with a final benediction to close the epistle (6:21–24).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Romans 7</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Romans 7 is the seventh chapter of the Epistle to the Romans in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle, while he was in Corinth in the mid-50s AD, with the help of an amanuensis (secretary), Tertius, who adds his own greeting in Romans 16:22.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Romans 1</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Romans 1 is the first chapter of the Epistle to the Romans in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It was authored by Paul the Apostle, while he was in Corinth in the mid-50s AD, with the help of an amanuensis (secretary), Tertius, who added his own greeting in Romans 16:22. Acts 20:3 records that Paul stayed in Greece, probably Corinth, for three months. The letter is addressed "to all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Romans 3</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Romans 3 is the third chapter of the Epistle to the Romans in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It was composed by Paul the Apostle, while he was in Corinth in the mid-50s AD, with the help of an amanuensis (secretary), Tertius, who added his own greeting in Romans 16:22.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Romans 5</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Romans 5 is the fifth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle, while he was in Corinth in the mid-50s AD, with the help of an amanuensis (secretary), Tertius, who adds his own greeting in Romans 16:22. According to Karl Barth, the "detailed argument" put forward in this chapter develops one of Paul's main themes in the epistle, as set out in the opening chapter: that the gospel of Jesus Christ reveals the righteousness of God.

Romans 10 is the tenth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle, while he was in Corinth in the mid-50s AD, with the help of an amanuensis (secretary), Tertius, who adds his own greeting in Romans 16:22. Paul continues his discussion of Israel's rejection of God's purpose which he had commenced in chapter 9: despite his "anguish over Israel", it remains his "heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites, that they may be saved".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Romans 11</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Romans 11 is the eleventh chapter of the Epistle to the Romans in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle, while he was in Corinth in the mid-50s AD, with the help of an amanuensis (secretary), Tertius, who adds his own greeting in Romans 16:22.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Romans 12</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Romans 12 is the twelfth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle, while he was in Corinth in the mid-50s AD, with the help of an amanuensis (secretary), Tertius, who adds his own greeting in Romans 16:22. According to Martin Luther,

In chapter 12, St. Paul teaches the true liturgy and makes all Christians priests, so that they may offer, not money or cattle, as priests do in the Law, but their own bodies, by putting their desires to death. Next he describes the outward conduct of Christians whose lives are governed by the Spirit; he tells how they teach, preach, rule, serve, give, suffer, love, live and act toward friend, foe and everyone. These are the works that a Christian does, for, as I have said, faith is not idle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Romans 15</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Romans 15 is the fifteenth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle, while he was in Corinth in the mid-50s AD, with the help of an amanuensis (secretary), Tertius, who adds his own greeting in Romans 16:22. According to Martin Luther,

In chapter 15, St. Paul cites Christ as an example to show that we must also have patience with the weak, even those who fail by sinning publicly or by their disgusting morals. We must not cast them aside but must bear with them until they become better. That is the way Christ treated us and still treats us every day; he puts up with our vices, our wicked morals and all our imperfection, and he helps us ceaselessly. Finally Paul prays for the Christians at Rome; he praises them and commends them to God. He points out his own office and the message that he preaches. He makes an unobtrusive plea for a contribution for the poor in Jerusalem. Unalloyed love is the basis of all he says and does.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Corinthians 3</span> Chapter of the New Testament

2 Corinthians 3 is the third chapter of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle and Timothy in Macedonia in 55–56 AD/CE. Biblical commentator Heinrich Meyer emphasises that the use of the plural 'we' in 2 Corinthians 3:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:6 includes Timothy in the writing of the letter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Corinthians 7</span> Chapter of the New Testament

2 Corinthians 7 is the seventh chapter of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle and Timothy in Macedonia in 55–56 CE.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Corinthians 11</span> Chapter of the New Testament

2 Corinthians 11 is the eleventh chapter of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle and Timothy in Macedonia in 55–56 CE. According to theologian Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer, chapters 10–13 "contain the third chief section of the Epistle, the apostle's polemic vindication of his apostolic dignity and efficiency, and then the conclusion".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Corinthians 13</span> Chapter of the New Testament

2 Corinthians 13 is the thirteenth and final chapter of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle and Timothy in Macedonia in 55–56 CE.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Galatians 3</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Galatians 3 is the third chapter of the Epistle to the Galatians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle for the churches in Galatia, written between 49–58 AD. This chapter contains Paul's important argument about Abraham's faith and his 'offspring', a designation for "those belong to Jesus Christ".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ephesians 2</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Ephesians 2 is the second chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Traditionally, it is believed to have been written by Apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome, but more recently it has been suggested that it was written between AD 80 and 100 by another writer using Paul's name and style.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Peter 3</span> Chapter of the New Testament

2 Peter 3 is the third chapter of the Second Epistle of Peter in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author identifies himself as "Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ". The epistle is traditionally attributed to Peter the Apostle, but some scholars consider it to be a work of Peter's followers, written between 60 and 90 CE.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hebrews 10</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Hebrews 10 is the tenth chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author is anonymous, although the internal reference to "our brother Timothy" causes a traditional attribution to Paul, but this attribution has been disputed since the second century and there is no decisive evidence for the authorship. This chapter contains the exposition about Christ's effective sacrifice and the exhortation to continue in faithfulness and expectancy.

References

  1. ↑ Hill 2007, p. 1084.
  2. ↑ Donaldson, Terence L. (2007). "63. Introduction to the Pauline Corpus". In Barton, John; Muddiman, John (eds.). The Oxford Bible Commentary (first (paperback) ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 1077. ISBN   978-0199277186.
  3. 1 2 3 Sanday, W. (1905), Romans 2 in Ellicott's Commentary for Modern Readers, accessed on 5 September 2016
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Biblical concordances of Romans 2 in the 1611 King James Bible".
  5. 1 2 Hill 2007, p. 1091.
  6. ↑ Jerusalem Bible (1966), footnote 2 at Romans 2:1
  7. ↑ Romans 2:2: King James Version
  8. ↑ Romans 2:11 NKJV
  9. ↑ Deuteronomy 10:17
  10. ↑ Acts 10:34
  11. ↑ Romans 2:16: English Standard Version
  12. ↑ Hill 2007, p. 1090.
  13. ↑ Romans 2:17: NKJV
  14. ↑ Romans 2:17: Textus Receptus
  15. ↑ Romans 2:17: New American Bible Revised Edition
  16. ↑ Haydock, G. L., Haydock Catholic Bible Commentary on Romans 2, accessed on 26 September 2024
  17. ↑ Romans 2:25
  18. ↑ Jeremiah 9:25
  19. ↑ Romans 2:25
  20. ↑ Deuteronomy 30:6

Sources

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.