ROMANS 2
17 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” – Romans 2:17-24
ROMANS 2 HYPOCRISY EXPOSED
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When we are obsessed to follow rules without love
We are being rigid to others just so they can obey laws
If we set a standard to give to someone that we cannot follow
We are hypocrites who do not do what we require
If we use the law as a measure for our standing and character
We will surely fail in leading others to our heavenly Father.
According to the ESV bible introduction to the book of Romans, Paul wrote Romans to unite the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome in the gospel. He also wanted the church in Rome to become the base of operations from which he could proclaim the gospel in Spain. The ultimate goal of preaching the gospel is the glory of God. Paul longs for the Gentiles to become obedient Christians for the sake of Christ’s name.
In this account, Paul exposes the hypocrisy of the Jews through questions that will make them reflect on how strict and legalistic they were in obedience to the laws. The law becomes their accolade. They formulated 613 laws to live their lives which made it so difficult for many. Paul brings out their inability to follow all the rules they set for others to obey. He rebukes them for their rule-keeping that doesn’t reflect God’s laws.
REFLECTION
- John 1:17 says that the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. How do you explain the hypocrisy of the Jews based on this?
