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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Romans 2
Verse Commentaries:
Chapter Level Commentary:
From the Retribution of God
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary ,which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS ON Rom_2:1 to Rom_3:20
A. Romans 2, 3 complete the literary unit started in Rom_1:18. This section deals with:
1. the lostness of all mankind
2. God's judgment on sin
3. mankind's need for God's righteousness through Christ by means of personal faith and repentance
B. In Romans 2 there are seven principles concerning God's judgment
1. Rom_2:2, according to the truth
2. Rom_2:5, accumulated guilt
3. Rom_2:6-7, according to works
4. Rom_2:11, no respecter of persons
5. Rom_2:13, lifestyle
6. Rom_2:16, the secrets of men's hearts
7. Rom_2:17-29, no special national groups
C. There is much discussion among commentators about who was being addressed in Rom_2:1-17. It is obvious that Rom_2:12-29 deals with the Jews. Rom_2:1-17 serve the dual purpose of speaking both to moral pagans like Seneca (societal norms) and to the Jewish nation (Mosaic Law).
D. In Rom_1:18-21, Paul asserted that humans can know God through creation. In Rom_2:14-15, Paul also asserted that all humans have an inner moral conscience given by God. These two witnesses, creation and conscience, are the basis for God's condemnation of all mankind, even those who have not been exposed to the OT or the gospel message. Humans are responsible because they have not lived up to the best light they have had.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. How does the Jews' unfaithfulness affect God's promise (Rom_3:3-4)?
2. Is there any advantage before God for being Jewish (Rom_3:1-8)?
3. What is a diatribe?
4. What is the point of the supposed diatribe in Rom_2:5-8?
5. Does how one lives really count if justification is by grace through faith apart from works (Rom_3:8)?
6. What is the theological concept of total depravity (Rom_3:10-18)?
7. What is the purpose of the Mosaic law, or law in general (Rom_3:20; Gal_3:24-25)?
8. Why is Satan not mentioned at all in Romans 1-3 which deal with man's lostness?
9. Are the OT promises conditional or unconditional?
10. What is the purpose of the Mosaic Law in the life of: (1) the non-Jew; and (2) the Jew?
11. Outline in your own words Paul's arguments in Rom_1:18 to Rom_3:20 paragraph by paragraph.