Romans 2:17 – But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God…
Welcome back, readers! Here in chapter two, Paul has given the general principles on which God would judge the world. The bottom line is that the Jews could no more expect to be justified before God by the law of Moses than the Gentiles could by the law of nature/conscience. 
GENERAL SUMMARY: Paul now goes on to prove that the privileges of the Jewish nation which were a source of boasting, pride and glory to them, were insufficient to justify them before God. In fact, Paul will show that these privileges will actually enhance their condemnation, if abused.
DIGGING DEEPER: But: Up until now, Paul has not specifically called out the Jews. Instead, he has merely referred to ‘those who judge’. He does this so that the Jews will listen to the arguments he is making. His hope is that the discourse thus far in chapter two will cause the consciences of the Jews to awaken and convict them for their hypocrisy.
However, Paul now abandons all generalizations and comes straight to the point. For the remainder of this chapter he begins to speak about the specific privileges and superior spiritual knowledge that the Jews possessed – and misused.
As we will see, the Jews were guilty of the same sins as the Gentiles, despite their advantages. Therefore, their greater knowledge ceased to be a blessing. It actually became a curse - it resulted in greater guilt/condemnation because they did not make good use of the advantages they were given.
Call yourself a Jew: Have you ever wondered how the people of the Hebrew nation became known as ‘Jews’?
In the earliest days of the nation, they were called ‘the children of Israel’. This was an obvious name, since Jacob (the father of the 12 tribes) had his name changed to Israel after he wrestled with God (Genesis 32:28).
This name was the standard designation for God’s people until the era of the kings. Under the rule of Rehoboam, son of Solomon, the kingdom split into two parts (I Kings 12). The northern kingdom consisted of ten tribes. It retained the name Israel. The southern kingdom consisted of two tribes – Judah and Benjamin. This kingdom became known as Judah. Benjamin was probably dropped from the nomenclature because it was a very small tribe with comparatively little influence or importance. So, the Judahites, the people of the southern kingdom, became known as ‘Jews’:
II Kings 16:6 – At that time, Rezin king of Syria captured Elath for Syria, and drove the Jews from Elath…
The question is, when did the people of the other ten tribes adopt that name? All scholars agree that it happened after the overthrow of the northern kingdom by the Assyrians in 722 BC.
Some scholars believe it was adopted as early as the downfall and subsequent exile/dispersion of the southern kingdom in 586 BC. The Old Testament contains many post-exilic references to the Jews (Esther 4:3, Daniel 3:8, Nehemiah 2:16, etc). Others feel the term ‘Jew’ wasn’t universally adopted until the height of influence of Judas Maccabeus (167-160 BC).
In either case, when the Jews found themselves with no kingdom or central government, they needed a way to keep their nationality. They did not want to be assimilated into the other nations of the world and disappear.
Consequently, the children of Israel were happy to call themselves Jews because this term identified them as being the offspring of Abraham as well as heirs of God’s covenant. Plus, it was an added honor because they knew the Messiah was to come from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10).
Eventually the term ‘Jew’ became synonymous with all the religious favors and privileges given to that nation by God.
According to the Jews of Paul’s day, it was the highest of earthly honors to bear the name ‘Jew’. They considered all other national distinctions, even Romans and Greeks, as being far inferior to the themselves.
However, while there was some truth in that, the Jews carried it to a ridiculous extreme. They should have been honored to carry the name Jew so they could humbly bless the other nations of the earth by sharing divine revelation of the true God. Instead, they used the title to justify their self-importance and look down upon others with contempt. This was only the beginning of their folly.
Rely on the law: In this case, the law includes all the rules and regulations of the Mosaic law as well as the writings of Moses and the prophets. Basically, it included the entire Old Testament. 
How did the Jews rely on the law?
The Jews believed they were distinguished or favored above other nations by simply being the recipients and caretakers of the law. Again, there was some truth in this belief. They were given an understanding of God’s divine standards. More so than any other people group, they knew what God approved and what he condemned. They could distinguish right from wrong and truth from lies.
The problem is that they believed possession of the law gave them an assurance of salvation; they believed it made them acceptable in God’s sight. Consequently, they again elevated themselves above others. Anyone who did not have a knowledge off the law like they did was considered to be a dog or a swine.
Furthermore, it was their belief that possession of the law gave them the liberty to indulge in all manner of unrighteousness with impunity. According to their belief, they were favored by God, and therefore he would be tolerant of their sin. What would be a damnable offence for a Gentile would amount to a slap on the wrist for them.
What they conveniently forgot (or ignored) was the fact that superior knowledge of God’s laws does not excuse the guilt of sin - it enhances it! Consequently, it also increases the certainty and severity of punishment.
Boast in God: Because they had the law, the Jews boasted that they had exclusive knowledge of the true God. They walked in spiritual light, while other nations were in darkness. Again, there was a basis of truth in this belief; this is one more example of the privileges enjoyed by the Jews.
It was absolutely true that at that time, only the Jews had a true knowledge of God. But that knowledge wasn’t something they earned or discovered through much study, contemplation or thought. They put absolutely no work into acquiring this knowledge; it was freely and generously given to them by the grace of God, because he had chosen them for his own peculiar people (Deuteronomy 4:7, Psalms 147:19-20).
So, obviously this was not a reason for them to boast in themselves – it was a reason for them to humble themselves and exhibit gratitude. God is the sure source of all hope, joy, wisdom and knowledge; to know him and be employed in his service is the highest honor that can be given to any person. Accordingly, the Jews should have humbled themselves and boasted in God alone:
Jeremiah 9:24 - …let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.
Instead, the Jews boasted in their exclusive knowledge of God’s law. As if that wasn’t bad enough, rather than sharing their knowledge they took great pleasure in the ignorance of the Gentiles; they had no desire to share the divine revelation that had been graciously given to them.
They were proud and delighted to be the people of God while all other nations were strangers to him. They boasted of worship to the true God, while all other nations served worthless idols.
Their actions show what was in their hearts. Had they genuinely gloried or boasted in the Lord, they would have done everything in their power to share his truths and blessings with other people. By withholding knowledge of God from others, they proved that their only concern was to boast in themselves and to flaunt their exclusive privileges.
Romans 2:18 - …and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law;
Know his will: The phrase ‘God’s will’ refers to the commands of God as revealed in the law which reflect his desires and purposes for mankind. These commands revealed what was righteous (what was to be done/practiced) and what was evil (what was to be avoided). It was the possession and knowledge of this law that separated the Jews from other nations/people groups.
And approve: To approve is to distinguish; to prove, test or examine. The word in the original text is usually applied to the process of testing metals by fire, but it is also used in a general sense of trying/examining something in order to determine its nature or quality. In this case, it refers to the act of distinguishing good from evil. 
It does not mean that the person who approves of something strives to do what is good. It only means that they recognize the difference between good and evil. For example, we might recognize that it is good to feed the hungry, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we are feeding them. We might recognize that it is evil to steal from our workplace, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t stealing; it only means we know the practice is evil.
This becomes apparent in the case of the Jews - they were so learned in the law that they could pass judgment on the conduct of others, however, they did not regulate their own lives according to that judgment.
What is excellent: The root word denotes that which is different from others, or that which excels. The idea is that the Jews had a knowledge of God which showed them how to walk so as to please him, and consequently receive blessings. The reference is to the rites and customs of the law, including the dietary laws, the practice of circumcision, ceremonial washings, observance of holy days, temple sacrifices, etc. Through systematic teaching and practice, the Jews were all well versed in these rites of the law.
Because you are instructed from the law: The Jews were not instructed in the law in a haphazard manner. It would be more accurate to say they were indoctrinated into it.
Beginning in the earliest stages of life, they were taught the precepts of the law in their homes by their parents. They were also trained to actively observe the law. For instance, they strictly abided by the dietary laws, they observed Passover and other holy days, they brought sacrifices to the temple, etc. As adults, their study of the law continued each week in the synagogue. They had an additional layer of instruction as well - the community at large ensured that adherence to the law was strictly enforced.
The Jews prided themselves on the fact that they had been taught by the law to make distinctions between good and evil, while the heathen remained ignorant.
To know was indeed a privilege which others did not have, but the Jews failed once again to realize that divine knowledge becomes a curse to those who do not live by it. People who know God’s will and fail to do it will suffer more than those who are ignorant. (Luke 12:47).
Romans 2:19 - …and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,
If you are sure: This verse continues the thought from verse 18. Because the Jews were so well schooled in the precepts of the law, they were fully confident that their knowledge of right and wrong was superior to all other people. They were completely sure that God was the author of all their religious institutions and rites and their religion was appointed from him.
This belief led to the assumption that they had the ability to direct the lives of others, especially by assisting proselytes/converts to the faith. And of course, they were right – but they didn’t use this privilege wisely.
Instead of truly assisting those who sought to know Jehovah, they piled difficult and useless burdens upon them. They trained converts to be as wicked and prideful as themselves. Instead of being excited that a heathen had come to know the Lord, they gloried in the number of converts ‘they’ had won.
Matthew 15:15 – Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.
You yourself are a guide to the blind: ‘Guiding the blind’ is a figurative expression which means to teach or instruct the ignorant. The ‘blind’ are clearly the Gentiles, who did not have a knowledge of the laws of God. The Jews had long considered themselves qualified to instruct the heathen and not surprisingly, they were proud of it (Matthew 15:14, Matthew 23:16).
A light to those in darkness: As you are well aware, the term ‘light’ is a figurative expression which means a teacher or to teach (Isaiah 49:6, John 1:4-5, 8-9). This is opposed to ‘darkness’ which denotes ignorance (Matthew 4:16). Specifically, the Jews had the knowledge and opportunity to share their spiritual light with the Gentiles, who were walking in complete spiritual darkness.
There is some disagreement as to whether Paul is referring to all the Jewish people in verses 18-19, or particularly the leaders/doctors/teachers of the law. What do you think?
Romans 2:20 - …an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth –
Instructor of the foolish: In scripture, the term ‘foolish’ has two distinct meanings – those who are wicked and those who are ignorant or void of understanding. In this case, the latter definition applies.
- If Paul is addressing all of the Jews in verses 18-19, then the foolish are the Gentiles.
- If Paul is only addressing the doctors/teachers of the Jewish law in verses 18-19, then the foolish may either be the Gentiles or the common Jews.
In either case, the Jews believed they were well qualified to teach spiritual matters to the unlearned. 
Teacher of children: This has the same meaning as the phrase above. Just as an adult teacher would instruct a child in the basics of life (reading, writing, cooking, etc), so the Jews felt they were qualified to teach the Gentiles on spiritual matters.
Aside from their prideful attitude, there was yet another issue with the Jews teaching spiritual truth to the Gentiles – they taught facts, but not true obedience of the heart. If you think about it, this makes perfect sense. Teachers can only teach what they know. Since the Jews as a whole were only concerned with the outward practice of the law, that was the only knowledge they could impart to others.
The embodiment: The word translated ‘embodiment’ denotes the appearance of an object. We might also use the term model, pattern or picture. In fact, it can even mean to have a mental picture of something.
If you are home right now, just look at one of the photographs you have on display. If you are not home, close your eyes and get a mental picture of that photograph. The photograph is an embodiment of the person in the picture.
The main thing we want to know about an embodiment is that it focuses on external appearance rather than on what is internal and invisible.
When Paul states that the Jews have an embodiment or form of the truth in the law, he is saying that in their teaching they retained a picture or model of the true doctrines of the Old Testament. They had a correct representation of truth as defined under the law.
However, while Paul concedes that the Jews did indeed have a superior knowledge of the law and commands of God, he will go on to show that they had abused their stewardship of this truth.
Instead of embracing and exercising the knowledge they had (being a doer of the law and not a hearer only), they simply took it for granted that their knowledge alone would excuse their behavior. They did not allow the law to change the internal, invisible parts of themselves – their hearts.
Of knowledge and truth: There is some disagreement over the words ‘truth and knowledge’.
- Some bible commentators believe that truth refers to what should be believed while knowledge refers to morals/outward conduct.
- Others believe the two words are used together signify the fullness of the law.
- There are also those who believe the two separate words should be put together as in ‘true knowledge’.
In the end, the exact definition does not change Paul’s point, which is this: In the mind of the Jews, they alone possessed true knowledge; they were God’s chosen/favorite people. They were the stewards of everything that was worthy to be learned – the system of eternal truth derived from the law. Any nation who wanted this truth, had to get it from them.
Yet again, we must point out that this is true – the Jews were the representatives of God on earth at that time. But they were a very corrupt representation because they did not act in a manner worthy of a people who had been given such distinguished advantages.
Romans 2:21-22 - …you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
GENERAL SUMMARY: Now Paul gets down to real life. He is calling attention to the discrepancy between what the Jews taught from the law (do not steal) with their actual outward actions (stealing). Paul is not implying that ALL Jews were thieves and adulterers, he is simply pointing out that the Jews did not practice what they preached.
DIGGING DEEPER: Paul mentions several specific sins in the next few verses, probably because these sins were prevalent among the Jews at this particular time.
Stealing: There is some evidence (both historical and biblical) to suggest that the Jews were known to steal items from the temples of idols. Case in point, in Acts 19 Paul and his companions had apparently been accused of just such a crime. We know this because the town clerk at Ephesus declared them innocent of the charge:
Acts 19:37 – For you [the rioters at Ephesus] have brought here these men, who are neither robbers of temples, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
The implication is that Jews were known to steal from temples. This practice many not have been common, but at the very least there were several notorious instances. These offences were mostly attributed to Jewish zealots who stole from the temples of idols as part of their profession of hating idolatry. 
However, there are a couple of obvious problems with this practice. First off, the law clearly prohibits stealing (Exodus 20:15). Second, according to the law in Deuteronomy 7, if a Jew had control over an idol and/or its altar, both were to be utterly destroyed and burned with fire. But this does not seem to be the outcome of the temple thievery during Paul’s day. Instead, the items were kept or sold for personal gain. Greed seems to have been the motivating factor, rather than religious zeal.
Adultery: Adultery can be taken in a literal or spiritual sense. Spiritually speaking, the scriptures compare man’s relationship to God as a marriage with God as the husband and mankind as the wife. When man is unfaithful to God, it is referred to as adultery (Isaiah 57:3, Hosea 3:1, etc).
However, Paul is most likely referring to literal sexual sins which were very common during this time in Israel’s history.
Idolatry/robbing temples: Paul could not accuse the Jews of idolatry in its strictest sense (bowing down before an image or attributing divine actions to it). Even though it was a besetting sin in their past, the nation as a whole had been free of this crime since the Babylonish captivity. But they were guilty of idolatry in a different sense.
Let’s take a closer look. Our translation says, ‘Do you rob temples’ while other translations say, ‘Do you commit sacrilege’. Practically speaking, these amount to the same thing.
Sacrilege is the crime of violating or profaning sacred things. It includes taking things that are sacred (set apart for holy uses) and using them for common purposes. For example, if one of the temple priests took a handful of incense from the temple and burned it at his own home, that would sacrilege.
Idolatry is a form of robbing God. It happens when people take what rightfully should be given to God (glory, honor, service, worship, money, lambs/sacrifices, etc) and use it for other purposes or give it to something other than the Lord. For example. if a family had an animal that should be given to God as a sacrifice but they sold it instead, that would be robbing God.
Thus, idolatry and sacrilege are intertwined - all idolatry is a form of sacrilege.
This kind of sacrilege/idolatry is well documented in secular history (Josephus) as well as the prophets. For example, the Jews were prone to withholding tithes and offerings from the temple and/or offering imperfect animals as sacrifices (Malachi 1:8, 12-14, 3:8-9). Examples of sacrilege/idolatry are also found in the New Testament as well. For example, the Jews were using the temple to line their own pockets by selling merchandise there (Luke 19:45-46).
The bottom line is this: The Jews may not have been bowing down before golden calves any more, but they were still guilty of idolatry. They professed to condemn this practice and they judged the Gentiles for it, yet they themselves were guilty of the same offence.
Romans 2:23-24 – You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
GENERAL SUMMARY: This verse is an answer to the rhetorical questions just posed in the prior verses. Paul’s unmistakable point is that the Jews, who boasted in the law, were guilty of breaking that same law. In so doing, they dishonored God before the Gentile world. Jehovah is perfect, holy, merciful and omnipotent, but the Jews painted a picture of him as cruel, proud, unfair and inept. Why would the Gentiles want to serve a God like that?
DIGGING DEEPER: You who boast in the law: Men do not boast about things they have no regard for. Therefore, by boasting in the law, the Jews proclaimed their conviction that it was from God and that it had great value.
Dishonor God by breaking the law: The old saying holds true - actions speak louder than words. God is glorified by good works, but dishonored by evil ones. His authority as the law giver is despised by those who sin or walk in disobedience. So, regardless of what they proclaimed, the Jews consistently dishonored God by breaking the law.
The Jews proclaimed themselves as the representatives of God on earth. When they practiced deceit and duplicity, the Gentiles ascribed these same characteristics to God. When the Jews stole (took what did not belong to them) or practiced adultery (unfaithfulness) or practiced sacrilege (wrongful appropriation of services and goods), the Gentiles naturally assumed that Jehovah could be expected to exhibit the same traits.
Furthermore, these actions cast doubt upon God’s omniscience and omnipotence. The Gentiles felt that if God was really cognizant of all things, he would take notice of the sins of the Jews and if he were really sovereign, he would punish their misdeeds. (Keep in mind, the Gentiles knew nothing of God’s final day of judgment or of his longsuffering which allows time for repentance.)
Therefore, the sins of the Jews dishonored and blasphemed the name and character of the one true God in front of the heathen, who did not know him (II Samuel 12:14, Ezekiel 36:20, 23). Why would the Gentiles want to serve a God like that? How was he any different than the false idols they already served?
It was a monstrous thing for the very group of people who derived their glory, blessings and privileges from God to turn around and disgrace his holy name.
Let me offer you some encouragement:
In today’s post, we noted that there was a time when the Jews felt it was the highest of earthly honors to bear the name ‘Jew’. We might say the same ourselves – it is the highest earthly honor to bear the name ‘Christian’.
What greater honor could be bestowed upon us than to be a child of the Most High God? What greater pleasure could there be than to have a relationship with him? To understand his ways, to live in his mercy and to be in his active service?
Take a few minutes and dwell on the riches and benefits of being a Christian. I know you will walk away from this post feeling honored to be called by that name.
Let me offer you some relief and strength:
When you bear the name ‘Christian’, you bear some responsibilities as well.
Just like the Jews during the era of the law, we are to demonstrate Christ to the unbelievers. We are to be as much like Christ in thoughts, motivations and actions as we can be; we are Christ’s representatives here on earth. 
In some ways that’s a scary thought! But fortunately for us, God has not just left us to do this in our own strength. He has given us the gift of Holy Spirit. If you are a Christian, Holy Spirit is already living in your heart. He has already ‘sealed’ you for the day of redemption and he is already at work in your life growing spiritual fruit, convicting you of sin and other important things.
But know this – there is another level of power available to you through his ministry. This power will help you as you demonstrate the love of God to unbelievers. It is commonly referred to as the baptism of Holy Spirit, and it is available to you, right now.
If you have not prayed to receive this baptism, I strongly encourage you to search the scriptures on this topic and seek this gift.
If you already have this gift, I encourage you to make full use of it. Speak in your heavenly language on a regular basis. Listen to the voice of the Spirit as he leads you to specific people who need to see and understand his love. Earnestly seek one of the additional spiritual gifts available for our use here on earth (I Corinthians 14).
God want’s us to walk in victory and that is possible with the help of Holy Spirit!