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The Book of Romans, Part 6 – The Old and New Law

[Study Aired July 18, 2023]

Romans 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; 
Romans 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Romans 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: 
Romans 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;)
Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. 
Romans 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
Romans 2:18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 
Romans 2:19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 
Romans 2:20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 
Romans 2:21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 
Romans 2:22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? 
Romans 2:23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
Romans 2:24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
Romans 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. 
Romans 2:26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 
Romans 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? 
Romans 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 
Romans 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.

In our last study, Paul stated that we must walk in righteousness, exhibit patience, and avoid hypocrisy while judging. He emphasized the need for repentance, obedience to the truth, and the pursuit of good works, while highlighting the consequences of unrighteousness and the impartiality of God’s judgment. Paul continues to expand these thoughts with a comparison of the Law of Moses and the Law of Christ.

Romans 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.

This verse highlights the principle on which judgment is based. Those who have sinned without the law, referring to individuals who are unaware of God’s specific commandments, will still face consequences for their wrongdoing. Likewise, those who have sinned while being under the law, meaning those who have received and are aware of God’s commandments, will be judged by the standards set forth in the law.

Romans 2:13: (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.)

Verse 13 emphasizes the importance of obedience to the law. It states that simply hearing or knowing the law does not make a person righteous in the sight of God. Instead, it is the act of doing or obeying the law that leads to justification. True righteousness is demonstrated through actions which are aligned with God’s commandments.

Romans 2:14-15: 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: 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.

These verses acknowledge that Gentiles, who were not given the Mosaic Law like the Jews, can still demonstrate obedience to God’s law. Although they do not have the specific written law, they possess a moral compass within themselves. Their actions reflect an understanding of right and wrong, as their conscience acts as a guide, either accusing or excusing their behavior.

Romans 2:16: In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

This verse points to the future judgment by God through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that God will examine not only the outward actions but also the secret and hidden motives of individuals. The judgment will align with the gospel preached by Paul, which includes the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 2:17-20: Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, and knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; and art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

Verses 17-20 address the Jews and their pride in having the law. They are commended for their knowledge of God’s will, their confidence in teaching others, and their understanding of the truth contained within the law. However, these verses set the stage for a rebuke to follow, highlighting the importance of their actions aligning with their knowledge and not just their external adherence to the law.

Romans 2:21-23: Thou, therefore, which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?

The above verses continue the rebuke toward those who claim to teach and uphold the law while disregarding it themselves. The Jews are reminded of their own transgressions and how their actions contradict the very principles they proclaim. By breaking the law while boasting about it, they dishonor God and undermine their credibility as teachers of the law.

Romans 2:24: For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

Verse 24 highlights the negative impact of the Jews’ hypocrisy on the reputation of God. Their behavior causes the name of God to be blasphemed among the Gentiles. This echoes the writings of the Old Testament, which prophesied about the consequences of the Israelites’ disobedience and the resulting reproach brought upon God’s name.

Romans 2:25-29: For circumcision verily profiteth if thou keep the law, but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keeps the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh. 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.

These verses address the significance of circumcision and highlight the importance of true inward transformation rather than relying on outward rituals alone. Paul explains that circumcision, which was a sign of the covenant for the Jews, holds value only if accompanied by obedience to the law. However, if one breaks the law, their circumcision becomes meaningless. Paul emphasizes that true circumcision is a matter of the heart and spirit, reflecting a transformed inner nature. A genuine Jew is not defined by external factors but by their inward righteousness, which receives praise from God rather than from men.

Paul has introduced another spiritually significant message. He is continuing the message of Christ from Matthew chapter 5.

Mat 5:17-20 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Paul, like Christ, is saying the law of Moses has its place, but there is a greater law we must now follow.

Gal 3:21-29 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Christ changed the law by making it an inward spiritual law. 

Mat 5:21-22 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

1Jn 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

The act of hate is not an outward action. Hatred is inward and is a matter of the heart. Paul is telling us we must be careful and fulfill the law of the spirit so we can be an inward Jew, circumcised of the heart. It is not enough to keep the law of Moses, the ten commandments. We must keep the law of Christ.

Gal 6:1-10 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Here is Paul’s spiritual message again.

Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 
Rom 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. 

We must walk after the spirit and not the flesh. The carnal commandments of Moses are for carnal men. They do serve the purpose of teaching us what is sin. But as stated in Galatians we must go beyond the schoolmaster.

Rom 8:1-11 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

We must go beyond the principles of the doctrine of Christ in order to become the elect of God.

Heb 5:12–6:6 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Our end goal is to become disciples indeed so we must continue in His word and follow the law of Christ.

Joh 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

In summary the apostle Paul discusses the principles of judgment and the role of the law in the lives of both Jews and Gentiles. He emphasizes that both those who have sinned without the law of Moses and those who have sinned while being under the law will be judged according to their actions. The chapter highlights that true righteousness comes from being a doer of the law, not just a hearer. Paul acknowledges that even Gentiles, who do not have the written law, can demonstrate obedience to God’s moral principles through their consciences.

Paul addresses the Jews who boast in having the law and emphasizes that true circumcision is not an outward sign but a matter of the heart and spirit. He rebukes those who break the law while teaching others, pointing out the hypocrisy that brings dishonor to God’s name.

Paul presents the concept of the Law of Christ, which goes beyond the external commandments of the law of Moses and focuses on inward transformation and obedience to the Spirit. He shows that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are no longer under the law but under grace, called to fulfill the law of Christ by walking in the Spirit.

Overall, Romans 2 underscores the importance of genuine obedience, both for those who have the written law and those who do not, and emphasizes the need for an inward transformation of the heart to align with the principles of the Law of Christ.