The Wrath of God Against All Unrighteous: Gentiles and Jews 1: 18 - 3:20

Romans 2:1-29 

As I read this passage I tried to imagine what it was like to receive this letter. I would think that there was only one copy at first that was read to a big crowd. After reading the previous chapter, I bet they were all feeling pretty good about themselves. Paul just finished saying things like "I thank my God...because your faith is being reported all over the world", and that he wants to visit them. Then goes on to say things like, " they became fools", and "God gave them over in their sinful desires...and shameful lusts". I can imagine a lot of them saying, "I'm glad we're not like those sinners he's talking about." Then Paul turns it on them beginning in chapter 2 and says what right do you have to judge others when you are doing these exact same things. Wow! I bet that was one angry crowd. Either that, or some seriously awkward silence. This reminds me of John chapter 8 when the Pharisees wanted to stone the woman caught in adultery. Jesus responded to them saying, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." At which point, everyone dropped their stones and left. I imagine the Romans had a similar reaction to Paul's comment in Romans 2:21 when he said, "you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourselves? The good thing is that Paul does not leave them at this point. This is simply a prelude to say that they are not alone. He goes on to show them, in chapter 3, that all have sinned, and that no one is worthy of what God has to offer. By setting them up like this, Paul breaks down their ego so that they can see and receive God's grace. So, in the end, Chapter 2 is for their benefit. Otherwise, they would not have been able to see God's grace.