Romans 2:16
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In the day when God shall judge - And all this shall be farther exemplified and proved in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ; which judgment shall be according to my Gospel - according to what I am now laying down before you, relative to the impartiality of God, and his righteous procedure in judging men, not according to their opinions or prejudices, not according to revelations which they never possessed, but according to the various advantages or disadvantages of their political, religious, or domestic situation in life. Much stress has been laid on the word, φυσει, by nature, in Rom 2:14, as if the apostle designed to intimate that nature, independently of the influence of Divine grace, possessed such principles as were sufficient to guide a man to glory. But certainly the term cannot be so understood here. I rather think that the sense given to it in Suicer's Thesaurus, vol ii. col. 1475, reipsa, revera, Certainly, Truly, is its sense here: for when the Gentiles, which have not the law, φυσει ποιῃ, Truly, or in effect, Do the things contained in the law, etc. This seems to be its sense in Gal 4:8 : When ye knew not God, ye did service to them which φυσει, Certainly are no gods; i.e. are false gods. Suicer quotes Cyril of Alexandria, (sub Anathematismo iii. in Actis Ephesinis, p. 212), speaking of the union of the two natures in Christ; he calls this union φυσικην, natural; that is, says he, αληθη, true, or real. He adds, that the word should be thus understood in Eph 2:3 : We were by nature, φυσει, children of wrath; and says, φυσει αντι του αληθως· φυσει is here used for αληθως, Truly; We were Truly, Incontestably, the children of wrath, even as others. That is, like the rest of mankind, we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, and, consequently are exposed to punishment. Some think that this text refers to the natural corruption of man; but, although it is true that man comes into the world corrupt, and that all men, since the fall, are very far gone from original righteousness, yet it is not clear that the text in Eph 2:3, speaks of any other thing than the effects of this degeneracy. I prefer this sense, in the passage in question, to that which says the light of nature, or natural instinct, is here meant; for I know of no light in nature that is not kindled there by the grace of God. But I have no objection to this sense: "When the Gentiles, which have not the law, do, by the influence of God upon their hearts, the things contained in the law, they are a law unto themselves; that light and influence serving instead of a Divine revelation." That the Gentiles did really do the things contained in the law, in reference to what is termed natural justice, and made the wisest distinctions relative to the great principles of the doctrine of civil Rights and Wrongs, every man conversant with their writings will admit. And in reference to this the word φυσει may be legitimately understood thus - they incontestably did the things contained in the law, etc. The passage in Rom 2:15, Their thoughts - accusing or excusing one another, certainly does not refer to any expostulations or operations of conscience; for this is referred to in the preceding clause. The words accusing, κατηγορουντων, and excusing, απολογουμενων, answering or defending one another, μεταζυ αλληλων, among themselves, are all forensic or law terms, and refer to the mode of conducting suits of law in courts of justice, where one is plaintiff, who produces his accusation; another is defendant, who rebuts the charge and defends himself; and then the business is argued before the judges. This process shows that they have a law of their own, and that to this law it belongs to adjust differences - to right those who have suffered wrong, and to punish the guilty. As to the phrase written in their hearts, it is here opposed to the Jewish laws, which were written on tables of stone. The Jews drew the maxims by which their conduct was regulated from a Divine revelation: the Gentiles theirs from what God, in the course of his providence and gracious influence, had shown them to be right, useful, and necessary. And with them this law was well known and affectionately regarded; for this is one meaning of the phrase, written in the heart. It was from this true light, enlightening the Gentiles, that they had so many wise and wholesome laws; laws which had been among them from time immemorial, and of which they did not know the origin. Thus Sophocles, in the noble speech which he puts in the mouth of Antigone: - Ου γαρ τι νυν γε κὐχθες, αλλ' αει ποτε Ζη ταυτα, κοὑδεις οιδεν εξ ὁτου φανη "Not now, nor yesterday, but evermore These laws have lived: nor know we whence they came." Antig. ver. 463-4. These are the laws, νομινα, which the Spirit of God wrote originally on their hearts; and which, in different forms, they had committed to writing.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In the day, &c.--Here the unfinished statement of Rom 2:12 is resumed and closed. shall judge the secrets of men--here specially referring to the unfathomed depths of hypocrisy in the self-righteous whom the apostle had to deal with. (See Ecc 12:14; Co1 4:5). according to my gospel--to my teaching as a preacher of the Gospel.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And knowest his will,.... Not the secret will or purpose of God; nor his revealed will in the Gospel, for of this they were ignorant; but his declared will in the law, showing what is to be done, and what is not to be done: to know which in express terms was a privilege, that other people had not; but then the bare knowledge of this will be of no avail: for persons may know their Lord's will, as the Jews did, and not do it, and so be worthy to be beaten with many stripes: and approvest the things that are more excellent: or "triest the things that differ"; from one another, and from the will and law of God; or as the Syriac, "discernest" "things that are convenient"; agreeable, which are fit and ought to be done: and having tried and discerned them, they approved of them in their judgment as the things more excellent; but then they did not put these excellent things in practice which they approved of; and the knowledge and approbation they had of these things, arose from their being instructed out of the law, and not the Gospel; for the excellent things of the Gospel, they had no discerning, knowledge and approbation of; see Phi 1:10.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:16 secret life (literally the hidden things): Scripture frequently stresses that God will judge people according to their thoughts and intentions (see 1 Sam 16:7; Ps 139:1-2; Jer 17:10).
Romans 2:16
God’s Righteous Judgment
15So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them 16on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Repentance in Kansas City
By Andrew Strom23K52:40MAT 3:7MAT 5:8MAT 23:33LUK 18:9ROM 2:162CO 13:5HEB 12:14In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of Christian meetings and how they often fail to truly impact people. He emphasizes the need for authenticity and a genuine encounter with God in our gatherings. The speaker also highlights the importance of personal repentance and surrender to God, acknowledging that He sees and judges the secret sins of our hearts. The sermon references the powerful revivals led by Charles Finney and Savonarola as examples of the transformative impact of revival preaching.
Jude #7 - Enoch
By Chuck Missler6.1K1:14:51EnochGEN 3:15ROM 2:16JUD 1:7JUD 1:17In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the inappropriate use of advertisements and flowery introductions in the church. He recommends a book called "Harvest" that provides insight into the traditional ways versus the Lord's ways in the Christian walk. The sermon then shifts to the topic of judgment, stating that the Father has entrusted all judgment to the Son, Jesus Christ. The speaker references Romans 2 to explain that God's judgment is based on truth and deeds.
Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out
By David Wilkerson6.0K1:06:12SinNUM 32:5NUM 32:23PRO 28:13MAT 6:33LUK 8:17ROM 2:161CO 10:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not lusting after evil things, drawing from the example of the Israelites in the Bible. He explains that their story serves as a lesson for us today, as we are living in the end times. The preacher highlights the consequences of partial obedience and the danger of holding back from fully surrendering to God. He warns against the lukewarmness and lack of commitment in churches today, urging believers to lay down their idols and live a holy life.
Road to Reality - the Fear of the Lord - Part 2
By K.P. Yohannan3.1K25:58Fear Of The LordPRO 9:10MAT 6:33MAT 12:36LUK 9:23ROM 2:161CO 6:19HEB 12:29In this sermon, K. P. Ohanan shares his personal journey of faith and his passion for spreading the word of God. He reflects on the importance of living a life dedicated to serving the Lord and fulfilling His call. Ohanan emphasizes the need for Christians to prioritize the salvation of the lost and to be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the Gospel. He encourages listeners to fear the Lord and to recognize the blessings they have received, urging them to become a blessing to others by participating in mission projects and sharing the love of Christ with millions of people.
The Final Judgement
By Zac Poonen2.4K56:29Judgement SeatACT 13:27ROM 2:16ROM 14:121CO 4:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that aligns with God's blueprint for us. He warns that on the day of judgment, all our actions, thoughts, and motives will be revealed, even the secrets we have hidden from others. The speaker highlights that many who are considered great in the eyes of others may be shocked to see the truth of their private lives and how they handled their resources. The sermon emphasizes the need to live in accordance with God's Word and to be mindful of our actions, as everything is recorded and will be judged by God.
The Fear of the Lord - Part 2
By K.P. Yohannan2.0K42:48Fear Of The LordGEN 12:2PRO 9:10MAT 12:36LUK 12:48ACT 1:8ROM 2:16HEB 12:29In this video, Brother KP Johanin discusses the importance of fearing the Lord and how it can impact our lives. He emphasizes that God has called and blessed us to be a blessing to others in this generation. Johanin shares stories from his own life to illustrate the significance of fearing the Lord. He also mentions the challenges faced by missionaries in Asia due to martial law, but highlights the growth of the church in spite of these obstacles. Overall, the message encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to live a life of sacrifice and obedience.
Take Heed of Sinning in Thought
By Ralph Venning1.7K30:38Audio BooksEXO 2:23PSA 51:10PSA 119:11MAT 6:33ROM 2:162CO 10:52TI 2:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning away from vanity and avoiding evil. He explains that what we see and hear can greatly influence our thoughts and actions, and that indulging in vain objects and speeches can lead to ungodliness. The preacher highlights that the gospel's purpose is to bring our thoughts into obedience to Christ, and that it has the power to transform our hearts and minds. He warns against idleness and being easily swayed by temptation, urging listeners to guard their thoughts and words. The sermon concludes with the recommendation to humbly seek God's help in cleansing and renewing our hearts.
The Great Judgement
By Alan Bartley1.7K50:58Judgement SeatMAT 25:41ROM 2:16REV 20:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and encourages believers to gather together for prayer meetings. He references Revelation chapter 20, which describes an angel coming down from heaven and binding the devil for a thousand years. The preacher highlights the devil's role as a deceiver and warns that there will come a time when he will no longer be able to deceive the nations. The sermon also discusses the eventual end of the world, with the heavens and the earth being rolled up like an old scroll. The preacher warns that those who have their lives rooted in this world will face judgment at the great white throne, where every aspect of their lives will be examined and a verdict will be given. Those whose names are not found in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God knows all the secrets and hidden things of mankind, and that no one can hide from Him.
Our Man in Rome
By J. Vernon McGee1.3K44:37MAT 6:33ROM 2:16ROM 15:20ROM 15:29ROM 16:25In this sermon, Dr. J. Vernon McGee discusses the concept of instant information in our modern age and compares it to the time of the early Church. He uses the example of news media providing immediate analysis and reports from around the world to highlight the speed at which information is now available. Dr. McGee then introduces the sermon topic of "Our Man in Rome" by referencing Romans Chapter 15. He mentions the challenges faced by the apostle Paul on his journey to Rome, including being bitten by a poisonous viper. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the gospel and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers.
Paul's Meeting With the Lord
By Rolfe Barnard1.1K35:01Meeting GodMAT 6:33MRK 2:5ACT 9:3ROM 2:161CO 2:92CO 4:6EPH 4:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of personally encountering the risen Christ. He believes that being a Christian means having a genuine experience of seeing and hearing from the Lord. The preacher acknowledges that it can be challenging to put into words the wonder of meeting with the crucified and resurrected Son of God. He also expresses his reluctance towards the commercialized nature of Easter, but acknowledges that every Lord's Day is essentially Easter for believers.
The Judgment Day: A Solemn, Tremendous and Glorious Scene of the Universal Judgment
By Samuel Davies1.0K1:05:53Judgment DayMAT 6:33MAT 13:40MAT 16:27MAT 25:31ROM 2:162TH 1:7In this sermon, the preacher directs the audience's attention to the solemn and glorious scene of the Universal Judgment. He describes the destruction of the world and the agonizing convulsions of nature in its last moments. The preacher emphasizes the insignificance of earthly possessions and the sorrowful fate of a dying world. He also highlights the righteous indignation and terrifying presence of the judge, who condemns the guilty with no room for prayers or tears. The sermon concludes by acknowledging the difficulty of fully comprehending the grandeur and magnitude of the last day, but assures the audience that they will soon witness these majestic wonders firsthand.
God Is Perfectly Impartial
By Alan Martin75700:00GodMAT 7:21JHN 3:16ROM 2:6ROM 2:9ROM 2:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of actions aligning with one's values and beliefs. He highlights that God sees and knows what a person truly values based on their actions, not just their words. The speaker uses examples such as a young person's interest in music or a parent's observation of their child's behavior to illustrate this point. He also mentions the significance of continuance in seeking glory and honor from God. The sermon concludes with a reminder that on the day of judgment, the secrets of men's hearts will be revealed, making it evident who truly knows and follows God.
Is Jesus the Only Way?
By David Guzik63854:14MAT 6:33JHN 6:29JHN 8:42JHN 14:6ACT 17:17ROM 2:161CO 15:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenge of representing strong Christian beliefs in a world that passionately disbelieves them. He refers to the example of Paul preaching in Athens in Acts chapter 17 as a pattern for how Christians should deal with different beliefs in today's world. The speaker also highlights the historical dominance of Christianity in the Western world for many centuries. He emphasizes that simply believing in Jesus is not enough, but one must also believe in his atoning work on the cross for salvation. The sermon concludes with a reminder to be good to others and the recognition that while world religions may share some ethical teachings, there are significant differences between them that should not be downplayed.
(Debate) Satanic Group Walks Out During Closing Statement
By Shane Idleman59009:01PSA 51:3JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ACT 3:19ROM 2:16ROM 3:23ROM 6:23ROM 12:2This sermon emphasizes the need for repentance, acknowledging rebellion against God, and the desire for restoration through a relationship with Him. It discusses the human struggle with sin, guilt, and the brokenness of the relationship with God, highlighting the unconditional love and redemption offered through Jesus Christ. The speaker shares personal experiences of transformation and renewal, pointing to the importance of choosing to trust in God rather than man, ultimately leading to a life of rebellion or reconciliation with God.
Conviction by the Spirit
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0JHN 6:44ACT 2:47ROM 2:162CO 4:3HEB 4:12Lewis Sperry Chafer preaches about the importance of understanding the cause of indifference towards the Gospel among unsaved individuals and the need for cooperation with the Spirit in soul-winning. He emphasizes the veiling of the Gospel by Satan and the necessity of divine illumination for individuals to comprehend the way of salvation through the cross of Christ. Chafer explains that saving faith involves turning from self-merit to trusting in God's saving work through Christ, highlighting the essential role of the Spirit in convicting of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He underscores the power of the Word of God as the sword of the Spirit in unveiling the truth to the blinded minds of the unsaved, leading to a genuine and abiding trust in Jesus Christ for salvation.
The Father Commits All Judgment Unto the Son
By Paris Reidhead0JOL 2:25MAT 22:37JHN 5:22JHN 17:5ACT 17:30ROM 2:161CO 3:13Paris Reidhead preaches about the importance of living a life that glorifies Jesus Christ, emphasizing the need for believers to examine their motives and actions in light of the coming Judgment Seat of Christ. He highlights that all judgment has been committed to the Son, Jesus Christ, who will evaluate every deed based on the motive behind it. Reidhead stresses the significance of repentance and surrendering to God's will, ensuring that every aspect of life is dedicated to glorifying Christ. He warns against allowing sin and disobedience to mar the pattern of one's life, urging listeners to seek forgiveness and restoration in Christ.
Homily 5 on Romans
By St. John Chrysostom0ROM 1:28ROM 2:6ROM 2:10ROM 2:12ROM 2:16ROM 2:21ROM 2:29John Chrysostom preaches about the consequences of rejecting God and living in sin, emphasizing that God gives people over to a reprobate mind when they choose to ignore Him. He highlights the distinction between those who do evil and those who seek to do good, pointing out the intense nature of sin and the importance of repentance. Chrysostom urges believers to examine their hearts and actions, reminding them that God's judgment is just and based on truth, rewarding those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through patient continuance in well-doing. He warns of the impending judgment where God will reveal the secrets of men through Jesus Christ, calling for repentance and a sincere love for Christ above all else.
Day 112, Romans 1
By David Servant0ROM 1:4ROM 1:17ROM 1:22ROM 1:32ROM 2:4ROM 2:16ROM 3:23ROM 3:28David Servant delves into the historical context of Paul's letter to the Romans, addressing the challenges faced by the Roman churches, particularly the debate over the Mosaic Law and its relation to salvation. He highlights the tensions between believing Jews and Gentiles in the predominantly Gentile church in Rome, emphasizing Paul's defense of the gospel of salvation by grace through faith. The sermon focuses on how Paul's message magnified God's righteousness and led to repentance and righteous living, countering false interpretations that promote a license to sin under the guise of grace.
The Gospel That Judges Our Secrets
By Bryan Anthony0PSA 25:14PRO 28:13MAT 10:26JHN 7:24ROM 2:16ROM 8:11CO 4:5EPH 5:13HEB 4:131JN 1:9Bryan Anthony preaches on the profound truth that God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus, emphasizing the importance of inner purity and authenticity over external appearances. He challenges believers to examine their hearts, repent of hidden sins, and surrender their lives to God's refining process before the Day of judgment arrives. Anthony highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, which exposes and heals the darkest secrets of our souls, leading us to a life of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 23:16-28. Christ Denounces Four More Woes Against the Pharisees.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0MAL 3:2ROM 2:161CO 4:72CO 12:14COL 1:27Favell Lee Mortimer delivers a sermon exposing the Pharisees' love of money, leading them to teach lies and act hypocritically. He contrasts the Pharisees' outward religious performance with their lack of true devotion to God, warning against similar hypocrisy in modern times where people prioritize appearances over genuine faith. Mortimer highlights the importance of having a sincere heart before God, drawing a parallel between the saints who hold Christ as a treasure in earthen vessels and the wicked who are compared to dross, facing God's judgment and refining.
Matthew 13:24-30. the Parable of the Wheat and Tares, With the Explanation Contained in Ver. 36-43.
By Favell Lee Mortimer01SA 16:7PSA 139:23MAT 7:21MAT 13:24MAT 13:36MAT 25:31ROM 2:161CO 4:52TI 4:3HEB 4:12Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the parable of the wheat and tares, emphasizing the coexistence of true believers and hypocrites in the world, sown by the pure gospel and false doctrines respectively. Mortimer warns of the danger of allowing false teachings to take root in our hearts if we do not embrace the truth of Scripture. The parable highlights the challenge of distinguishing between genuine and false believers, underscoring the importance of seeking God's discernment and examining our own hearts. Ultimately, Mortimer points to the future separation of the righteous and the wicked, where true characters will be revealed, and urges self-reflection to avoid being condemned with the world.
On the Immensity of God
By Thomas Reade0JOB 31:4ECC 12:14ISA 40:28ACT 17:31ROM 2:16Thomas Reade preaches on the immensity of God, emphasizing the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of God's being, nature, and character through the Holy Scriptures. The sermon delves into the awe-inspiring revelations of God's perfections, the wisdom and power displayed in creation, and the moral attributes of the Deity revealed in the Bible. It highlights the unfathomable nature of the self-existent, eternal Jehovah and the need for humility, reverence, and circumspection in acknowledging God's omnipresence and omniscience.
Conscience, Record and Judgment
By John Hames0ECC 12:14MAT 12:36MAT 25:31JHN 19:22ACT 24:16ROM 2:162CO 5:10HEB 9:27REV 20:12REV 20:15John Hames preaches on the importance of conscience, record, and judgment as highlighted in Acts 24:16, St. John 19:22, and Ecclesiastes 12:14. He emphasizes how conscience, as the voice of God in the soul, plays a crucial role in guiding our moral character and decisions. Hames delves into the biblical examples of King Herod and Pontius Pilate, showcasing how their awakened consciences influenced their actions and ultimately led to judgment. He warns about the significance of our life's record, which will be revealed at the final Judgment, stressing the need for a life that reflects Jesus and prepares for eternity.
Some Disappointments at the Judgment
By John Hames0PSA 139:1PRO 6:16MAT 7:21ROM 2:162CO 5:17JAS 1:26John Hames preaches about the various disappointments at the judgment day, emphasizing that many will be shocked to hear Jesus say 'I never knew you' due to their false professions and lack of genuine salvation. He warns against mistaking reformation for salvation and depending on past experiences or victories, stressing the necessity of a true transformation by the Holy Ghost. Hames also highlights the dangers of having a backslidden heart, secret sins, and being a secret backbiter, pointing out the importance of genuine repentance and living a truly transformed life in Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In the day when God shall judge - And all this shall be farther exemplified and proved in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ; which judgment shall be according to my Gospel - according to what I am now laying down before you, relative to the impartiality of God, and his righteous procedure in judging men, not according to their opinions or prejudices, not according to revelations which they never possessed, but according to the various advantages or disadvantages of their political, religious, or domestic situation in life. Much stress has been laid on the word, φυσει, by nature, in Rom 2:14, as if the apostle designed to intimate that nature, independently of the influence of Divine grace, possessed such principles as were sufficient to guide a man to glory. But certainly the term cannot be so understood here. I rather think that the sense given to it in Suicer's Thesaurus, vol ii. col. 1475, reipsa, revera, Certainly, Truly, is its sense here: for when the Gentiles, which have not the law, φυσει ποιῃ, Truly, or in effect, Do the things contained in the law, etc. This seems to be its sense in Gal 4:8 : When ye knew not God, ye did service to them which φυσει, Certainly are no gods; i.e. are false gods. Suicer quotes Cyril of Alexandria, (sub Anathematismo iii. in Actis Ephesinis, p. 212), speaking of the union of the two natures in Christ; he calls this union φυσικην, natural; that is, says he, αληθη, true, or real. He adds, that the word should be thus understood in Eph 2:3 : We were by nature, φυσει, children of wrath; and says, φυσει αντι του αληθως· φυσει is here used for αληθως, Truly; We were Truly, Incontestably, the children of wrath, even as others. That is, like the rest of mankind, we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, and, consequently are exposed to punishment. Some think that this text refers to the natural corruption of man; but, although it is true that man comes into the world corrupt, and that all men, since the fall, are very far gone from original righteousness, yet it is not clear that the text in Eph 2:3, speaks of any other thing than the effects of this degeneracy. I prefer this sense, in the passage in question, to that which says the light of nature, or natural instinct, is here meant; for I know of no light in nature that is not kindled there by the grace of God. But I have no objection to this sense: "When the Gentiles, which have not the law, do, by the influence of God upon their hearts, the things contained in the law, they are a law unto themselves; that light and influence serving instead of a Divine revelation." That the Gentiles did really do the things contained in the law, in reference to what is termed natural justice, and made the wisest distinctions relative to the great principles of the doctrine of civil Rights and Wrongs, every man conversant with their writings will admit. And in reference to this the word φυσει may be legitimately understood thus - they incontestably did the things contained in the law, etc. The passage in Rom 2:15, Their thoughts - accusing or excusing one another, certainly does not refer to any expostulations or operations of conscience; for this is referred to in the preceding clause. The words accusing, κατηγορουντων, and excusing, απολογουμενων, answering or defending one another, μεταζυ αλληλων, among themselves, are all forensic or law terms, and refer to the mode of conducting suits of law in courts of justice, where one is plaintiff, who produces his accusation; another is defendant, who rebuts the charge and defends himself; and then the business is argued before the judges. This process shows that they have a law of their own, and that to this law it belongs to adjust differences - to right those who have suffered wrong, and to punish the guilty. As to the phrase written in their hearts, it is here opposed to the Jewish laws, which were written on tables of stone. The Jews drew the maxims by which their conduct was regulated from a Divine revelation: the Gentiles theirs from what God, in the course of his providence and gracious influence, had shown them to be right, useful, and necessary. And with them this law was well known and affectionately regarded; for this is one meaning of the phrase, written in the heart. It was from this true light, enlightening the Gentiles, that they had so many wise and wholesome laws; laws which had been among them from time immemorial, and of which they did not know the origin. Thus Sophocles, in the noble speech which he puts in the mouth of Antigone: - Ου γαρ τι νυν γε κὐχθες, αλλ' αει ποτε Ζη ταυτα, κοὑδεις οιδεν εξ ὁτου φανη "Not now, nor yesterday, but evermore These laws have lived: nor know we whence they came." Antig. ver. 463-4. These are the laws, νομινα, which the Spirit of God wrote originally on their hearts; and which, in different forms, they had committed to writing.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In the day, &c.--Here the unfinished statement of Rom 2:12 is resumed and closed. shall judge the secrets of men--here specially referring to the unfathomed depths of hypocrisy in the self-righteous whom the apostle had to deal with. (See Ecc 12:14; Co1 4:5). according to my gospel--to my teaching as a preacher of the Gospel.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And knowest his will,.... Not the secret will or purpose of God; nor his revealed will in the Gospel, for of this they were ignorant; but his declared will in the law, showing what is to be done, and what is not to be done: to know which in express terms was a privilege, that other people had not; but then the bare knowledge of this will be of no avail: for persons may know their Lord's will, as the Jews did, and not do it, and so be worthy to be beaten with many stripes: and approvest the things that are more excellent: or "triest the things that differ"; from one another, and from the will and law of God; or as the Syriac, "discernest" "things that are convenient"; agreeable, which are fit and ought to be done: and having tried and discerned them, they approved of them in their judgment as the things more excellent; but then they did not put these excellent things in practice which they approved of; and the knowledge and approbation they had of these things, arose from their being instructed out of the law, and not the Gospel; for the excellent things of the Gospel, they had no discerning, knowledge and approbation of; see Phi 1:10.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:16 secret life (literally the hidden things): Scripture frequently stresses that God will judge people according to their thoughts and intentions (see 1 Sam 16:7; Ps 139:1-2; Jer 17:10).