In Romans 2:17-20, Paul the Apostle will deliver a series of quick observations that target those who trusted in their observance of the Old Testament Law for salvation. Verse seventeen begins by laying the groundwork for what will follow…
“Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God” (Romans 2:17).
So, we start with a group of individuals who relied on their spiritual heritage, along with their commitment to a set of rules and regulations to gain admittance into heaven. Boasting then followed, fueled by their sense of elevated status.
“and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law” (Romans 2:18).
Our author now adds a layer of detail regarding these individuals. From their perspective, their privileged position offered exclusive insight into God’s will. It also enabled them to make discriminating choices that fit their interpretation of the Law. Unfortunately, that presumptuous view of their status led to an over-inflated opinion of themselves…
“and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness” (Romans 2:19).
Despite being entrusted with the responsibility of representing the Almighty to those who were spiritually blind, the weight of that obligation did little to humble these people. Instead, their privilege led to an attitude of moral superiority. Ironically, Jesus characterized these supposedly enlightened ones as “the blind leading the blind” in Matthew 15:12-14.
“an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law” (Romans 2:20).
Paul, as a self-proclaimed “Hebrew of the Hebrews,” was well-qualified to offer these assessments. Consider the lengthy list of credentials Paul offered in the Biblical book of Philippians…
“though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless” (Philippians 3:4-6).
So Paul did not approach this subject from the perspective of a casual observer. Instead, he spoke with the authority of someone in the know. This set of observations will lead to an equally rapid succession of indictments in the verses that follow. But as we’ll soon discover, those indictments will feature a broad range of applications that encompass a much wider audience.
Image Attribution: Image by Wannapik Studio