“in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel” (Romans 2:16).
Our perception of others is often based on what we can observe. However, those external observations may not prove accurate in every instance. If our perceptions of others fail to meet reality, we may be shocked to discover a moral failing, a character flaw, or some other shortcoming in the lives of those we thought we knew. Yet even though such areas may remain hidden from us, nothing is hidden from God (Hebrews 4:13).
Romans 2:16 and the promise of a future day when “…God will judge the hidden truth about human beings through Christ Jesus” (CEB), should prompt us to take an honest assessment of ourselves and prayerfully seek God’s help in addressing those areas where are falling short. 1 Corinthians 4:5 offers a similar incentive: “…do not judge anything before the time. Wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the motives of hearts. Then each will receive recognition from God” (NET).
Paul the Apostle next employs an interesting phrase in speaking of “my gospel” here in Romans 2:16. In fact, he will make this same reference later in Romans 16:25 and once again in 2 Timothy 2:8. This does not mean that Paul’s gospel message was his alone. Instead, it was ‘his” gospel in the sense that he was “…set apart for the gospel of God” as mentioned in the very first sentence of this letter.
That brings us to the close of this portion of Romans chapter two. The following verses will introduce a new line of thought, but before we continue, we would do well to summarize the principles of God’s judgment that are given to us in the opening verses of this chapter…
- Those who engage in the same behaviors they criticize in others, condemn themselves and cannot be excused (verse one).
- God’s judgment is according to truth. That judgment corresponds with the way things really are, and not how they may appear (verse two).
- No one escapes God’s judgment, especially those who fail to “practice what they preach” (verse three).
- God’s goodness is designed to lead us to repentance (verse four).
- Those who stubbornly reject God’s gracious provision are those who store up wrath against themselves (verse five).
- God will give us what we deserve (verses six to ten).
- God is completely impartial (verse eleven).
- Knowing what God wants us to do is not enough on its own; we must act on that knowledge (verse thirteen).
- God will judge us according to what we know (verses twelve, fourteen to fifteen).
- God will judge our hidden motives and actions through Christ (verse sixteen).
These observations will help prepare us for the second half of Romans chapter two, where Paul will turn his attention to one particular group of individuals.
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