God’s Indictment of All Hypocrites
December 1, 2021
Commentary
It seems that this passage describes God’s indictment of all hypocrites, regardless of race or religion, culture, or creed. Both Jews and Gentiles are included in this discussion, but the Gentile often appears in a better light than the Jew. Verse five points out the fact that the wrath of God is cumulative. If He waits to punish, and a man despises waiting, then he has added to the cause of wrath. It is very important that we realize that God has a reason for His delay.
We also find out what the hypocrite faces, and that is certain judgment. When the judgment of God comes, we can be sure that it will be righteous judgment. This judgment will be according to His works. On the surface these verses may seem to be teaching that salvation is by works, and that eternal life can be earned by doing good things (vv. 7-10). However, based on other Scriptures, we know this is not true.
We must bear in mind that this passage has to do with the basis of God’s judgment. Throughout the Bible we find that judgment is according to our works, while salvation is by faith. Paul is not discussing how a person is saved, but how he will be judged: “according to his deeds” (v. 6).
1. The reason for a person’s behavior (vv. 7-8).
2. The results of a person’s behavior (vv. 9-10).
The expression “to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile” highlights the fact that the more we know, the more responsibility we have. The hypocrite’s portion will be worse than the heathen’s for the simple reason that his opportunities have been so much greater.
Application
The Lord has privileged me to know much about Himself and about His Word. I must remember that the more I know, the more I will be held accountable. To know God’s Word is important but putting His Word into practice is so much more important. It is so easy to be a hypocrite.
Romans 2:1– 11 (NET)
1 Therefore you are without excuse, whoever you are, when you judge someone else. For on whatever grounds you judge another, you condemn yourself, because you who judge practice the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment is in accordance with truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think, whoever you are, when you judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you have contempt for the wealth of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, and yet do not know that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? 5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath for yourselves in the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment is revealed! 6 He will reward each one according to his works: 7 eternal life to those who by perseverance in good works seek glory and honor and immortality, 8 but wrath and anger to those who live in selfish ambition and do not obey the truth but follow unrighteousness. 9 There will be affliction and distress on everyone who does evil, on the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, for the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God.