Question 1

What does “thou art inexcusable, O man, that judgest” mean in this passage?

Accepted Answer

This line is calling out people who are quick to point out others’ sins but ignore their own. Paul says that when you judge someone for something you secretly do yourself, you actually condemn yourself. You show that you know the difference between right and wrong, yet you still choose to do wrong. So you have no excuse before God. The point is not that judging right and wrong is bad, but that being harsh on others while living in the same sins is hypocrisy, and God sees through it.

Question 2

How does the goodness of God lead a person to repentance in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Paul says that God’s goodness, patience, and longsuffering are meant to lead us to repentance. When God does not punish sin right away, or when life goes well despite our sins, we should not assume He approves. Instead, we should see His kindness as giving us time and space to turn back to Him. Ignoring this and staying hard-hearted means a person is storing up wrath for the future. So God’s kindness is not a sign to relax in sin, but a gentle call to change.

Question 3

What does it mean that God will render to every man according to his deeds?

Accepted Answer

This phrase means that God’s judgment is fair and based on what people actually do. Those who, with patient endurance, keep doing good and seek glory, honor, and immortality will receive eternal life. Those who are stubborn, refuse the truth, and follow unrighteousness will face wrath, trouble, and distress. This does not teach that people can earn salvation by their own works, but it shows that real faith is seen in a changed life. Deeds reveal the heart, and God’s judgment takes that into account.

Question 4

How are Jews and Gentiles both included in God’s judgment here?

Accepted Answer

Paul explains that God shows no favoritism. Jews, who have the written law, will be judged by that law. Gentiles, who do not have the law in written form, still have a sense of right and wrong written on their hearts, shown by their conscience. Their thoughts accuse or excuse them. So both groups have light from God and are responsible for how they respond to it. Being a Jew or Gentile does not change the standard. God judges everyone by truth, not by background or labels.

Question 5

What does it mean that Gentiles are “a law unto themselves”?

Accepted Answer

This means that even Gentiles who never had the written law still show, in some way, that they know right from wrong. When they do things that agree with God’s commands, it shows that the work of the law is written in their hearts. Their conscience joins in, sometimes accusing them when they do wrong and sometimes defending them when they do right. They do not replace God’s law, but their inner sense of morality proves that God has given them enough light to be responsible for their choices.

Question 6

What does this passage teach about God judging the secrets of men by Jesus Christ?

Accepted Answer

Paul says there is a day coming when God will judge even the secrets of people through Jesus Christ. This means nothing is hidden from God, not just outward actions but also inner thoughts, motives, and desires. Things that others never see are clear to Him. The mention of Jesus Christ shows that God has appointed His Son as the Judge. This judgment may be delayed now, but it is certain. Knowing this should move people away from pretending and toward honest repentance and sincere faith.

Question 7

Why does Paul warn religious Jews about trusting in the law and circumcision?

Accepted Answer

Paul points out that some Jews trusted in having the law and in being circumcised, thinking that these outward things made them safe. They saw themselves as guides, lights, and teachers of others. But Paul asks hard questions: if you teach against stealing, do you steal? If you forbid idols, do you rob temples? If they break the law, their boasting dishonors God, and God’s name is mocked among the nations. Circumcision only helps if the law is kept. Without obedience, outward signs lose their value.

Question 8

What is circumcision of the heart, and why is it important here?

Accepted Answer

Circumcision of the heart means an inner change, where the heart is cut away from sin and turned to God. Paul says a true Jew is not just one outwardly, and true circumcision is not only in the flesh. Real belonging to God is inward, in the spirit and not just in the letter. This inner work shows itself in a life that honors God. The praise that matters is not from other people who see outward signs, but from God who sees the heart. So inner reality is more important than outer religious marks.

Question 9

How should believers today apply this passage to their own lives?

Accepted Answer

This passage invites believers to stop hiding behind religious labels, church background, or outward practices, and to look honestly at their hearts and lives. It warns against judging others while doing the same sins and reminds us that God’s kindness is meant to lead us to daily repentance, not to comfort us in sin. It also encourages a life of steady obedience, knowing that God sees and will judge rightly. The call is to seek an inner work of the Spirit, not just an outward form of religion.

Romans 2:1

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

God’s Righteous Judgment

The Jews and the Law

God’s Righteous Judgment

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Romans 2:1

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

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God’s Righteous Judgment

The Jews and the Law

God’s Righteous Judgment

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