Therefore, you are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment. For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God on those who do such things is true. 3 Do you suppose, then, you who judge those who engage in such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you hold his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God would lead you to repentance? 5 By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God, 6 who will repay everyone according to his works: 7 eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works, 8 but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness. 9 Yes, affliction and distress will come upon every human being who does evil, Jew first and then Greek. 10 But there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, Jew first and then Greek. 11 There is no partiality with God.
Paul is speaking in general terms in this instance and is addressing everyone who judges, both Jews and Gentiles. No one can consider himself to be righteous because all men are sinners in the eyes of God (1 Jn. 1:10). The Jews were proud of their higher religious moral standards because of their knowledge of God through the Mosaic Law (Rom. 2:17-20). Paul tells them that those who are favored by God and judge themselves as superior but commit sin will not be protected from divine judgment. They will die in their sin (Jn. 8:21) unless they accept the Gospel which leads to salvation (Rom. 1:16).
God’s kindness, forbearance, and patience are to lead men to repentance so that they will avoid God’s punishment for their sins. But their own stubborn and insolent hearts will condemn them on the day of judgment when God will repay everyone according to his or her works. The Jew is held to a higher level of responsibility when he sins, but he is also the first to be rewarded when he does what is right. God judges impartially so the Jews will be no better off than anyone else unless they do what God expects of them.
Heavenly Father, grant us Your Sanctifying grace so that we may do what is right and receive the promise of eternal life assured to all who do Your will. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
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