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 2:16
KJVIn the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Read it in context
The judge is accountable
Start reading at Romans 2:1 (Romans 2:1 to Romans 2:16).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The address turns against the person who condemns others while practicing sin, stressing judgment according to truth rather than privilege.
- 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.
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 topic of this reading unit? The judge is accountable. Read Romans 2:1 through Romans 2:16 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The address turns against the person who condemns others while practicing sin, stressing judgment according to truth rather than privilege. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes while planning further travel, including a visit to Rome. The letter does not supply a modern calendar date; reconstructions depend on comparing its travel notices with other texts. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The addressees are at Rome. Paul discusses other locations and travel plans, while the letter itself does not directly name the city where he is writing. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The judge is accountable (Romans 2:1 to Romans 2:16). Start reading at Romans 2:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter explains the gospel of Jesus Christ, baptism into His death, life in the Spirit, and hope of glory. Promises in Romans 8 address those in Christ and stand with the chapter's stated conditions. See Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Read the argument as a connected appeal to an addressed church. Keep obedience, continuing in God's goodness, and warnings against presumption visible when speaking of grace, inheritance, and assurance. interpretation
Cited: Romans 2:1, Romans 2:16, Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17
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
- God Rom 2:5 Rom 3:6 Rom 14:10-12 Gen 18:25 Ps 9:7-8 Ps 50:6 Ps 96:13 Ps 98:9
- by Jesus John 5:22-29 Acts 10:42 Acts 17:31 2 Tim 4:1,8
- according Rom 16:25 1 Tim 1:11 2 Tim 2:8
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.