Chapter 2:17-23
By Pastor Greg Hooker
VERSE BY VERSE STUDY ON THE BOOK OF ROMANS
Read Scripture Text (Note: All Scriptures used are from the KJV.)
Chapter 2:17-23
Chapter 2:17-23
17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
Verse 17
“Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,”
“Behold”
“Behold” is a forceful word demanding full attention anytime it’s used in Scripture. Example: “Behold, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world!” It means to sit up and take notice. Something of great importance is about to be proclaimed. By using this word, Paul grabs hold of the Jews attention and let’s them know what he’s about to say is of high significance.
In the subsequent lessons, Paul laid out some general principles,
(1) He taught the Jewish church at Rome that the world (Jews and Gentiles alike) would all be judged by Jesus Christ. All authority in Heaven and Earth has been given to the Son by His Father.
(2) He reproved the Jews for their pagan ways, especially in light of knowing they were disobeying God’s laws.
(3) He reprimanded the Jews for hypocrisy for doing the very same evil as their Gentile neighbors.
“thou art called a Jew”
Thou art named Jews, implying this name was one of very high honor. It was a name to be proud of. This is the first thing Paul mentions in his letter so far in which the Jews would likely pride themselves in. In everything else they had fallen way short of the mark. Up until now, the Apostle has been giving them some harsh words for their hypocrisy.
‘Jews’ was the name by which the Hebrews were generally known by during that time and it’s clear they regarded it as a name of distinction, and valued and prided themselves by using it (see Galatians 2:5; Revelation 2:9).
Its origin cannot be known for certain. We do know, however, they were called the children of Israel until the time of Rehoboam. When the ten of the twelve tribes were carried into captivity, there were two which remained, the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The name ‘Jews’ was evidently given to denote those of the tribe of Judah. The reasons why the name of Benjamin was lost in place of Judah were probably,
(1) Because the tribe of Benjamin was small, and comparatively without influence or importance.
(2) More likely though, the Messiah was prophesied to be of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10). Therefore that tribe would possess a much greater importance because of Messiah.
“and restest in the law”
The word "restest" here is probably used in the sense of trusting, or leaning upon. The Jew leaned on, or relied upon the Law for acceptance or favor. They possessed the Law, but were lax in obedience to it. The Jews felt privileged and distinguished by the mere fact they had something others lacked, even though they broke the Law more times than they kept it. In short, you might say they were an arrogant and prideful people.
The Law here means the entire Mosaic summation of all the rules and regulations which Moses had given. Perhaps also it includes, as it sometimes does, the whole of the Old Testament.
“makest thy boast in God
The Jews boasted, or gloried in having knowledge of the true God while other nations were in darkness. On this account the Jew felt himself far elevated above all other people and despised them. It was accurate they had the true knowledge of God, and that the Lord declared Himself to be their God, (Deuteronomy 4:7; Psalm 147: 19-20), but this was not grounds for boasting, but an opportunity for displaying gratitude.
Additionally, this passage shows us that it is much more common to boast of privileges than to be thankful for them. We should always have a humble, passionate, thankfulness, that we have the knowledge of the Lord. Today we have the complete Word of God, both Old and New Testaments. Every time we open our Bibles should bring a deep sense of gratitude that the Lord would provide us with such a treasure. It shouldn’t make us prideful, but humble our spirits. With that thankfulness it should lead us not to boast above others, but to desire they may have the same privilege also - that is our duty.
Verse 18
“And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;”
“And knowest his will”
The Jews had the knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures. In that way they were distinguished from other nations.
“and approvest”
The word “approvest” is a word that was usually associated with something being tested, or tried in fire. In which case it means to test, or approve anything to determine its nature and qualities (Luke 12:56). The Jew valued himself on his knowledge of what he accepted to be the will of God. Thus they considered themselves approved before Him. Yet they were far from the standards set for them in Scripture.
“the things that are more excellent”
The word translated "more excellent" denotes the things that differ or excel from others. The reference is to the rites, customs, and the distinctions of Kosher meats and holy days, etc., prescribed by the Law of Moses. The Jew would pride himself in the fact that he had been taught by the Law to make these distinctions, while all the pagan world had been left in ignorance of them. This was one of the advantages on which they valued themselves and their religion, but they were simply committing one of the sins God hates the most - pride!
“being instructed”
That is in regards to the one God, His will, and the distinguishing ceremonies of His worship.
Verse 19
“And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,”
“And art confident”
This expression denotes the full assurance of the Jew that they were superior in knowledge to all other people. Its a remarkable fact the Jews put the fullest confidence in their religion. Though proud, wicked, and hypocritical, yet they were not unknowledgeable infidels. It was one of their characteristics revealed through all their history, that they had full assurance God was the author of their institutions, and that their religion was appointed by Him.
“a guide of the blind”
A guide of the blind is a figurative expression to denote an instructor of the ignorant. The blind here properly refers to the Gentiles who were thus regarded by the Jews as unlearned dogs. The Jews esteemed themselves qualified to instruct the pagan world (Matthew 15:14; Matthew 23:15).
“a light of them which are in darkness”
This is a figurative expression to denote a teacher who is in darkness boasting of being able to shine light on the ignorance of others, in this case the Gentile world (Isaiah 49:6; John 1:4-5; John 1:8-9).
Verse 20
“An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.”
“An instructor of the foolish”
The word "foolish" is used in the Scriptures in two meanings: to denote those who are void of understanding, and to denote the wicked. Here its clearly used in the former sense, signifying that the Jew esteemed himself qualified to instruct those without knowledge.
“A teacher of babes”
This denotes those who were as ignorant as children - an expression which they would likely apply to all Gentiles. They are often mentioned as assuming this distinction for themselves, that of being qualified to be guides and teachers of others even though they were in darkness as well (Matthew 15:14; Matthew 23:2; Matthew 23:16; Matthew 23:24).
It will be remembered also, that the Jews considered themselves to be qualified to teach all the world, and hence showed great zeal to make converts for bragging rights.
“which hast the form of knowledge”
The word translated here as "form" denotes a portrayal or picturing of something. It is commonly used to denote also the appearance of any object we see. It sometimes designates the external appearance as distinguished from what is internal, that is, a hypocritical profession of religion without its reality or substance to back it up. They boasted of the knowledge of God’s laws, but failed to live up to them. Notice,
2 Timothy 3:5, "Having the form of godliness, but denying its power."
PERSONAL NOTE: Shortly after giving my heart to Jesus, I absolutely fell in love with His Word. I couldn’t get enough of it (which was a good thing), but after a few months, pride and arrogance began to creep into my life and I thought I had become the “Keeper of the Book!” I felt I knew all the secrets of the Word, when in fact, I knew very little. Even now what I know wouldn’t scratch the surface of the Bible’s cover! The depths of the Word of God is endless, it’s scope limitless, and it’s teachings inexhaustible.
“in the law”
While the Jews bragged of their superior knowledge, Paul prepares to “burst their bubble” and reveal their deep depravity in light of the privileges bestowed upon them by God. They are about to find out that ‘knowing’ the Word is far different than ‘following’ and putting into action the Word.
18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
Verse 17
“Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,”
“Behold”
“Behold” is a forceful word demanding full attention anytime it’s used in Scripture. Example: “Behold, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world!” It means to sit up and take notice. Something of great importance is about to be proclaimed. By using this word, Paul grabs hold of the Jews attention and let’s them know what he’s about to say is of high significance.
In the subsequent lessons, Paul laid out some general principles,
(1) He taught the Jewish church at Rome that the world (Jews and Gentiles alike) would all be judged by Jesus Christ. All authority in Heaven and Earth has been given to the Son by His Father.
(2) He reproved the Jews for their pagan ways, especially in light of knowing they were disobeying God’s laws.
(3) He reprimanded the Jews for hypocrisy for doing the very same evil as their Gentile neighbors.
“thou art called a Jew”
Thou art named Jews, implying this name was one of very high honor. It was a name to be proud of. This is the first thing Paul mentions in his letter so far in which the Jews would likely pride themselves in. In everything else they had fallen way short of the mark. Up until now, the Apostle has been giving them some harsh words for their hypocrisy.
‘Jews’ was the name by which the Hebrews were generally known by during that time and it’s clear they regarded it as a name of distinction, and valued and prided themselves by using it (see Galatians 2:5; Revelation 2:9).
Its origin cannot be known for certain. We do know, however, they were called the children of Israel until the time of Rehoboam. When the ten of the twelve tribes were carried into captivity, there were two which remained, the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The name ‘Jews’ was evidently given to denote those of the tribe of Judah. The reasons why the name of Benjamin was lost in place of Judah were probably,
(1) Because the tribe of Benjamin was small, and comparatively without influence or importance.
(2) More likely though, the Messiah was prophesied to be of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10). Therefore that tribe would possess a much greater importance because of Messiah.
“and restest in the law”
The word "restest" here is probably used in the sense of trusting, or leaning upon. The Jew leaned on, or relied upon the Law for acceptance or favor. They possessed the Law, but were lax in obedience to it. The Jews felt privileged and distinguished by the mere fact they had something others lacked, even though they broke the Law more times than they kept it. In short, you might say they were an arrogant and prideful people.
The Law here means the entire Mosaic summation of all the rules and regulations which Moses had given. Perhaps also it includes, as it sometimes does, the whole of the Old Testament.
“makest thy boast in God
The Jews boasted, or gloried in having knowledge of the true God while other nations were in darkness. On this account the Jew felt himself far elevated above all other people and despised them. It was accurate they had the true knowledge of God, and that the Lord declared Himself to be their God, (Deuteronomy 4:7; Psalm 147: 19-20), but this was not grounds for boasting, but an opportunity for displaying gratitude.
Additionally, this passage shows us that it is much more common to boast of privileges than to be thankful for them. We should always have a humble, passionate, thankfulness, that we have the knowledge of the Lord. Today we have the complete Word of God, both Old and New Testaments. Every time we open our Bibles should bring a deep sense of gratitude that the Lord would provide us with such a treasure. It shouldn’t make us prideful, but humble our spirits. With that thankfulness it should lead us not to boast above others, but to desire they may have the same privilege also - that is our duty.
Verse 18
“And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;”
“And knowest his will”
The Jews had the knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures. In that way they were distinguished from other nations.
“and approvest”
The word “approvest” is a word that was usually associated with something being tested, or tried in fire. In which case it means to test, or approve anything to determine its nature and qualities (Luke 12:56). The Jew valued himself on his knowledge of what he accepted to be the will of God. Thus they considered themselves approved before Him. Yet they were far from the standards set for them in Scripture.
“the things that are more excellent”
The word translated "more excellent" denotes the things that differ or excel from others. The reference is to the rites, customs, and the distinctions of Kosher meats and holy days, etc., prescribed by the Law of Moses. The Jew would pride himself in the fact that he had been taught by the Law to make these distinctions, while all the pagan world had been left in ignorance of them. This was one of the advantages on which they valued themselves and their religion, but they were simply committing one of the sins God hates the most - pride!
“being instructed”
That is in regards to the one God, His will, and the distinguishing ceremonies of His worship.
Verse 19
“And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,”
“And art confident”
This expression denotes the full assurance of the Jew that they were superior in knowledge to all other people. Its a remarkable fact the Jews put the fullest confidence in their religion. Though proud, wicked, and hypocritical, yet they were not unknowledgeable infidels. It was one of their characteristics revealed through all their history, that they had full assurance God was the author of their institutions, and that their religion was appointed by Him.
“a guide of the blind”
A guide of the blind is a figurative expression to denote an instructor of the ignorant. The blind here properly refers to the Gentiles who were thus regarded by the Jews as unlearned dogs. The Jews esteemed themselves qualified to instruct the pagan world (Matthew 15:14; Matthew 23:15).
“a light of them which are in darkness”
This is a figurative expression to denote a teacher who is in darkness boasting of being able to shine light on the ignorance of others, in this case the Gentile world (Isaiah 49:6; John 1:4-5; John 1:8-9).
Verse 20
“An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.”
“An instructor of the foolish”
The word "foolish" is used in the Scriptures in two meanings: to denote those who are void of understanding, and to denote the wicked. Here its clearly used in the former sense, signifying that the Jew esteemed himself qualified to instruct those without knowledge.
“A teacher of babes”
This denotes those who were as ignorant as children - an expression which they would likely apply to all Gentiles. They are often mentioned as assuming this distinction for themselves, that of being qualified to be guides and teachers of others even though they were in darkness as well (Matthew 15:14; Matthew 23:2; Matthew 23:16; Matthew 23:24).
It will be remembered also, that the Jews considered themselves to be qualified to teach all the world, and hence showed great zeal to make converts for bragging rights.
“which hast the form of knowledge”
The word translated here as "form" denotes a portrayal or picturing of something. It is commonly used to denote also the appearance of any object we see. It sometimes designates the external appearance as distinguished from what is internal, that is, a hypocritical profession of religion without its reality or substance to back it up. They boasted of the knowledge of God’s laws, but failed to live up to them. Notice,
2 Timothy 3:5, "Having the form of godliness, but denying its power."
PERSONAL NOTE: Shortly after giving my heart to Jesus, I absolutely fell in love with His Word. I couldn’t get enough of it (which was a good thing), but after a few months, pride and arrogance began to creep into my life and I thought I had become the “Keeper of the Book!” I felt I knew all the secrets of the Word, when in fact, I knew very little. Even now what I know wouldn’t scratch the surface of the Bible’s cover! The depths of the Word of God is endless, it’s scope limitless, and it’s teachings inexhaustible.
“in the law”
While the Jews bragged of their superior knowledge, Paul prepares to “burst their bubble” and reveal their deep depravity in light of the privileges bestowed upon them by God. They are about to find out that ‘knowing’ the Word is far different than ‘following’ and putting into action the Word.
Verse 21
“Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?”
“Thou therefore which teachers another, teaches Thou not thyself”
A person who is a teacher of others should be expected to be knowledgeable themselves. Someone instructing others to fly an airplane should know beforehand the correct way to fly. In like manner the Jews ought to possess superior knowledge before attempting to instruct others, yet they were rebuked of Paul for their ignorance, “They say and do not” - Matthew 23:3.
NOTE: This is a good place to apply this principle to us. A person going into a specific field that requires training must attend school, college, seminary, on the job training, or some other learning institution to gain sufficient knowledge to perform their duties in their chosen field. The same goes for pastors, preachers, Sunday school teachers, secretaries, choir directors, deacons, etc. How can a person perform their duties without first knowing what to do? Being a pastor for instance, requires someone who knows the Bible, prays, knows how to preach, lead and Shepard the church, perform communion and baptisms, perform weddings, hold funerals, witness to the lost, comfort the sick, lift up the fallen, reconcile church disputes, and countless other duties of his sacred office.
My friends, God doesn’t open a persons head and pour all this knowledge in at one time. That’s just not the way it works! If you ‘desire’ to serve the Lord, that’s a wonderful thing! But first do what it takes to ready and equip yourself for the task at hand. Give God your very best. Don’t settle for less.
“thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?”
This means to proclaim in any manner, whether in the synagogue preaching, or in any place of public discourse. You go about preaching “Thou shalt not steal”, yet you are thieves yourselves. Hypocrites! Have you picked up on the major theme Paul is writing about? Hypocrisy!
Verse 22
“Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?”
“Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, doest Thou commit adultery?
There is no doubt this was a crime very common among the Jews as it also flourishes even today (see Matthew 12:39, John 8:1-12). The hypocrisy of the Jews was completely out of control. Once again they were accusing the Gentiles of adultery and at the same time doing the very same thing under the cloak of their religion. It is quite evident thus far in our studies, that the Jews had no love affair with the Gentile dogs unless it was for their advantage.
“thou that abhorrest idols”
This was one of the doctrines of their religion, to abhor idolatry. This was strictly taught everywhere in the Old Testament, and it is something the Jews were not openly guilty of for the most part at this time.
“dost thou commit adultery (sacrilege)?
Sacrilege is the crime of violating or profaning sacred things, or of appropriating to common purposes that which has been devoted to the service of the Lord. Everyone is guilty of replacing God with all sorts of things. This is idol worship, or sacrilege.
For example, a church sanctuary is consecrated, or set apart to worship the Lord, but if we use it for other secular activities like bingo on Wednesday night, it is sacrilege. Jesus said the Lords house has been made into a house of merchandise. Jesus was very angry when He discovered the Temple being used in such fashion and took swift action to correct the matter.
Verse 23
“Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?”
“Thou that makest thy boast of the law”
The Jews knew the value of the Law, therefore they boasted in it. Yet they,
“dishonourest thou God”
By boasting of the Law, they displayed their convictions that they were indeed from God. By breaking the Law they denied it, and as their actions proved, their breaking of the Law did more dishonor than their boasting did to honor it. This is always the case. It matters little what a man's speculative opinions may be, his actions do far more to disgrace religion than his profession does to honor it. It is the life and conduct, and not merely the confession of the lips, that does real honor to true religion.
“Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?”
“Thou therefore which teachers another, teaches Thou not thyself”
A person who is a teacher of others should be expected to be knowledgeable themselves. Someone instructing others to fly an airplane should know beforehand the correct way to fly. In like manner the Jews ought to possess superior knowledge before attempting to instruct others, yet they were rebuked of Paul for their ignorance, “They say and do not” - Matthew 23:3.
NOTE: This is a good place to apply this principle to us. A person going into a specific field that requires training must attend school, college, seminary, on the job training, or some other learning institution to gain sufficient knowledge to perform their duties in their chosen field. The same goes for pastors, preachers, Sunday school teachers, secretaries, choir directors, deacons, etc. How can a person perform their duties without first knowing what to do? Being a pastor for instance, requires someone who knows the Bible, prays, knows how to preach, lead and Shepard the church, perform communion and baptisms, perform weddings, hold funerals, witness to the lost, comfort the sick, lift up the fallen, reconcile church disputes, and countless other duties of his sacred office.
My friends, God doesn’t open a persons head and pour all this knowledge in at one time. That’s just not the way it works! If you ‘desire’ to serve the Lord, that’s a wonderful thing! But first do what it takes to ready and equip yourself for the task at hand. Give God your very best. Don’t settle for less.
“thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?”
This means to proclaim in any manner, whether in the synagogue preaching, or in any place of public discourse. You go about preaching “Thou shalt not steal”, yet you are thieves yourselves. Hypocrites! Have you picked up on the major theme Paul is writing about? Hypocrisy!
Verse 22
“Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?”
“Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, doest Thou commit adultery?
There is no doubt this was a crime very common among the Jews as it also flourishes even today (see Matthew 12:39, John 8:1-12). The hypocrisy of the Jews was completely out of control. Once again they were accusing the Gentiles of adultery and at the same time doing the very same thing under the cloak of their religion. It is quite evident thus far in our studies, that the Jews had no love affair with the Gentile dogs unless it was for their advantage.
“thou that abhorrest idols”
This was one of the doctrines of their religion, to abhor idolatry. This was strictly taught everywhere in the Old Testament, and it is something the Jews were not openly guilty of for the most part at this time.
“dost thou commit adultery (sacrilege)?
Sacrilege is the crime of violating or profaning sacred things, or of appropriating to common purposes that which has been devoted to the service of the Lord. Everyone is guilty of replacing God with all sorts of things. This is idol worship, or sacrilege.
For example, a church sanctuary is consecrated, or set apart to worship the Lord, but if we use it for other secular activities like bingo on Wednesday night, it is sacrilege. Jesus said the Lords house has been made into a house of merchandise. Jesus was very angry when He discovered the Temple being used in such fashion and took swift action to correct the matter.
Verse 23
“Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?”
“Thou that makest thy boast of the law”
The Jews knew the value of the Law, therefore they boasted in it. Yet they,
“dishonourest thou God”
By boasting of the Law, they displayed their convictions that they were indeed from God. By breaking the Law they denied it, and as their actions proved, their breaking of the Law did more dishonor than their boasting did to honor it. This is always the case. It matters little what a man's speculative opinions may be, his actions do far more to disgrace religion than his profession does to honor it. It is the life and conduct, and not merely the confession of the lips, that does real honor to true religion.
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