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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Romans 2:14 - 2:14
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
14. ὅταν γὰρ. The principle of Rom 2:13 applies to Gentiles, only we have to think not of explicit law, but of knowledge of right and wrong evidenced in their conscience and utterances.
Suspicion has been cast on these verses (14, 15) on the ground that they interrupt, both the rhythmical antitheses, and the argumentative structure of the passage (Rom 2:16 returning to Rom 2:13). Some take them as a later comment, though in strict accordance with the principles of the passage; some as a marginal note by S. Paul himself. But their genuineness is indicated by the fact that they are not only in accordance with but strictly necessary to the argument; for it is essential to make it clear here in what sense Gentiles are in relation to law: only if in such relation could they be amenable to judgment. cf. J. Weiss, op. cit[87] p. 218 n.
[87] op. cit. opus citatum
ἔθνη. Gentiles as such.
τὰ μὴ νόμον ἔχοντα. The admitted condition of ἔθνη.
φύσει with ποιῶσιν = without the help of an external revelation in law; cf. Eph 2:3 (n. Robinson); Gal 2:15; Gal 4:8. φύσις, morally neutral, depends on man’s use; cf. Rom 1:26, Rom 2:27.
τὰ τοῦ νόμου = the acts prescribed by such a revealed law.
ἑαυτοῖς εἰσὶν νόμος. Here S. Paul boldly applies the term νόμος to the condition which has just been described as ἄνομος. They have no law outside themselves; but the knowledge of GOD, which they have, takes the place of revealed law and may even be called law for them. It is a good instance of the way in which S. Paul goes behind the ordinary use of language and cuts down to the vital nerve of thought. See further in ch. 7, Rom 8:1-4.