By Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Insufficient
Romans 2:17–29
Hypocrisy Revealed (17–24)
Throughout the book of Romans, Paul shifts back and forth between the Gentiles and the Jews. You recall we discussed that many Gentiles reject God’s self-
revelation in creation; they are without excuse.
The Jews, however, have more excellent knowledge available to them producing a false sense of pride and superiority. Paul presents a mirror of truth for the Jews to self-evaluate.
Rhetorically, Paul asks questions that expose their hypocrisy to the law. The orthodoxy (right teaching) of the Jews is not in question. However, their orthopraxy (right practice) left much to be desired. Put simply, they did not practice what they preached. By neglecting to live out the truth, they both dishonored and pushed people away from God.
Reading this passage should cause us to reflect on our lives. As Christians, we are often tough on people who do not keep the truth found in the Scripture. While we need to stand for truth, we need to examine our own hearts.
Like the Jews, do we preach one thing while our hearts are longing to act on what we speak against? Is there hypocrisy within the Church that is keeping people away from our Lord?
As I examine my own life, I realize it is impossible for me to follow the law perfectly. I sin and fall short of God’s glory. This realization humbles me and cancels any claims of self-righteousness.
Obedience Required (25–27)
Jewish superiority is also seen in circumcision that sets them apart physically from other races. The rabbis taught that “all the circumcised have part in the world to come.” In other words, they taught circumcision assured salvation.
Paul rejects this common teaching by explaining that this symbol is valid only if the law is kept. Circumcision should be an outward sign of an inward commitment to God. A Jew’s circumcision is invalidated by a person who does not follow the law.
On the other hand, Gentiles who have a heart towards God are partakers in the covenant. Hence, one’s heart, not the cutting of the skin, is indicative of a right relationship with God.
Even today, some members of the church adhere to ecclesiastical rules while their hearts are far from God. Judgment awaits all people who say they love Christ but refuse to obey what He commands.
Heart Recognized (28–29)
This section is shattering for the Jewish people. Paul argues that a descendant of Abraham, who wears the badge of circumcision, is not necessarily a Jew. True Jews have nothing to do with a pedigree or a mark on their bodies. Instead, Jews are composed of all people whose hearts are circumcised by the Holy Spirit.
Remember, while humans look at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). Specifically, people who are not racially related to Jews but who have a changed heart are authentic Jews in God’s sight.
Conversely, Jewish people whose only claim to God is external rules and circumcision miss out. Paul explained that real followers are marked by a heart dedicated to God.
Charles Spurgeon is correct in a communion hymn he wrote:
If now, with eyes defiled and dim,
We see the signs but see not Him,
O, may His love the scales displace,
And bid us see Him, face to face!
In sum, both Jews and Gentiles need Christ. Just as the Jews are challenged to gaze in the mirror of God’s truth to see their true heart condition, so must you look introspectively at your life.
Church membership, attendance and tradition are good things, but insufficient in themselves. Again, God is looking at your heart. What does He see in you?
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