Romans 2:21
Verse
Context
The Jews and the Law
20an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—21you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?22You who forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
Sermons
David WilkersonDavid Wilkerson
Alan Redpath
St. Augustine
John Hames
St. John ChrysostomSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou therefore - Dr. Taylor has paraphrased this and the three following verses thus: "What signify your pretensions to knowledge, and the office of teaching others, if you have no regard to your own doctrine? What are you the better for preaching against theft, if you are a thief yourself? Or for declaring adultery unlawful, if you live in the practice of it? Or for representing idolatry abominable, if you are guilty of sacrilege? What honors or singular favors do you deserve, if, while you glory in the law and your religious privileges, you dishonor God, and discredit his religion, by transgressing his law, and living in open contradiction to your profession? And this is more than supposition; notorious instances might be produced of the forementioned crimes, whereby the Jews of the present age have brought a reproach upon religion among the Gentiles; as well as those Jews of former times, of whom the Prophet Ezekiel speaks, Eze 36:23 : And I will sanctify my great name, which was Profaned among the Heathen, which ye have Profaned in the midst of them." That the Jewish priesthood was exceedingly corrupt in the time of the apostle, and that they were so long before, is fully evident from the sacred writings and from Josephus. The high-priesthood was a matter of commerce, and was bought and sold like other commodities. Of this Josephus gives many instances. The rapine of Eli's sons descended to several generations. Dr. Whitby well observes that of all these things mentioned by the apostle the Jewish doctors were notoriously guilty; and of most of them they were accused by our Lord. 1. They said and did not; and laid heavy burdens upon others, which they would not touch with their own fingers, Mat 23:3, Mat 23:4. 2. They made the house of God a den of thieves, Mat 21:13; Joh 2:16. 3. They were guilty of adultery by unjust divorces, Mat 19:9. 4. Their polygamy was scandalous: even their rabbins, when they came to any place, would exclaim, Who will be my wife for a day? As to idolatry, they were perfectly saved from it ever since the Babylonish captivity but to this succeeded sacrilege, as is most evident in the profanation of the temple, by their commerce transacted even within its courts; and their teaching the people that even their aged parents might be left to starve, provided the children made a present to the temple of that which should have gone for their support. According to Josephus, Bell. Jud. l. vi. c. 26, They were guilty of theft, treachery, adultery, sacrilege, rapine, and murder. And he adds, that new ways of wickedness were invented by them; and that of all their abominations the temple was the receptacle. In his Antiquities of the Jews, lib. xx. c. 8, he says: The servants of the high priests took away, by violence, the tithes of the priests, so that many of them perished for want of food. Even their own writers acknowledge that there were great irregularities and abominations among the rabbins. So Bereshith rabba, sect. 55, fol. 54: "Rabbi Abun proposed a parable concerning a master who taught his disciples not to pervert justice, and yet did it himself; not to show respect of persons, and yet did it himself; not to receive bribes, and yet received them himself; not to take usury, and yet took it himself. The disciple replied: - Rabbi, thou teachest me not to take usury, and yet thou takest it thyself! Can that be lawful to thee which is forbidden to me?"
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou that makest thy boast of the law,.... Of their having it, which other nations had not; of their knowledge of it, which many of their own people were without, or had but a small share of; and of their keeping of it even to perfection: through breaking of the law dishonourest thou God? sin sometimes is expressed by a word which signifies a "fall"; sometimes by another, which signifies missing of the mark, or straying from it; sometimes by another, which signifies a "contrariety to the law" of God; and here, by one which signifies a "passing over it", and the bounds which it has set, as the rule of man's obedience; and hereby God, the lawgiver, is dishonoured: for as God is glorified by good works, when rightly performed, he is dishonoured by evil ones; for his authority, as a lawgiver, is trampled upon and despised. Now persons guilty of such iniquities as here mentioned, could not be justified before God, or accepted by him on account of any works of righteousness done by them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:21-22 Paul again uses the diatribe style to expose the inconsistency of Jewish claims (see study note on 2:1-5).
Romans 2:21
The Jews and the Law
20an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—21you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?22You who forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Zadok and Abaithar Priesthoods - Part 2
By David Wilkerson4.6K1:31:10PSA 141:5JER 5:1JER 23:1ROM 2:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a Bible preacher and encourages others to do the same. He highlights the power of using both the eye and ear to convey the word of God, as it provides a new dimension for understanding and connecting with the message. The preacher shares personal experiences of how visually presenting the word of God has had a profound impact on the congregation, leading to a deeper understanding and appreciation for the scriptures. He also discusses the need for pastors to take their role as shepherds seriously, referencing Jeremiah 23 and urging them to attend to their flock and not scatter them.
Hatred for Sin
By David Wilkerson99237:30SinMAT 6:33MAT 7:1LUK 6:36ROM 2:21JAS 2:13JAS 5:11In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of hatred for sin. He shares a personal experience of feeling anger towards someone but then being convicted by God to listen and show mercy. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having the love of Jesus in our hearts, rather than just outwardly bringing people to church. He also references the story of David in 2 Samuel 12, where David's anger towards sin is evident. The sermon concludes with a call for individuals to acknowledge their sins and seek forgiveness from God.
The Preacher
By Alan Redpath97354:09Preachers1CH 4:23MAT 6:33LUK 6:28ROM 2:21ROM 7:182CO 3:2In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his 31 years of ministry experience and shares about his own health breakdown due to overwork. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the kind of person God requires in the ministry today. The speaker discusses the temptation to seek success and recognition through intellectual prowess, but highlights the need for humility and a genuine relationship with God. He also acknowledges his own struggles with prayer and encourages listeners to prioritize their spiritual life.
Homily 6 1 John 3:19-4:3
By St. Augustine0MAT 5:19MAT 23:3JHN 15:13ROM 2:211JN 4:1St. Augustine preaches about the importance of discerning the spirits and testing them to see if they are from God. He emphasizes the need to look beyond words and examine deeds, particularly in relation to confessing that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. Those who have charity and love one another demonstrate the Spirit of God, while those who divide the Church, lack unity, and go against Christ's teachings are considered antichrists. St. Augustine urges believers to question their own hearts, seek unity, and abide in the love of God to discern the true Spirit.
Administering and Receiving Reproof
By John Hames0PSA 141:5PRO 15:1PRO 29:1MAT 18:15ROM 2:21JAS 3:17John Hames preaches on the importance of receiving reproof with humility and gratitude, highlighting how reproof is a valuable tool in the Christian's journey towards holiness. He emphasizes that reproof serves as a mirror to reflect our faults, confirms God's gentle guidance, and acts as a warning signal to prevent spiritual destruction. Hames stresses the need for administering reproof with wisdom, ensuring it is deserved and given in a gentle, private manner, following the biblical principles outlined in Proverbs and Matthew.
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.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou therefore - Dr. Taylor has paraphrased this and the three following verses thus: "What signify your pretensions to knowledge, and the office of teaching others, if you have no regard to your own doctrine? What are you the better for preaching against theft, if you are a thief yourself? Or for declaring adultery unlawful, if you live in the practice of it? Or for representing idolatry abominable, if you are guilty of sacrilege? What honors or singular favors do you deserve, if, while you glory in the law and your religious privileges, you dishonor God, and discredit his religion, by transgressing his law, and living in open contradiction to your profession? And this is more than supposition; notorious instances might be produced of the forementioned crimes, whereby the Jews of the present age have brought a reproach upon religion among the Gentiles; as well as those Jews of former times, of whom the Prophet Ezekiel speaks, Eze 36:23 : And I will sanctify my great name, which was Profaned among the Heathen, which ye have Profaned in the midst of them." That the Jewish priesthood was exceedingly corrupt in the time of the apostle, and that they were so long before, is fully evident from the sacred writings and from Josephus. The high-priesthood was a matter of commerce, and was bought and sold like other commodities. Of this Josephus gives many instances. The rapine of Eli's sons descended to several generations. Dr. Whitby well observes that of all these things mentioned by the apostle the Jewish doctors were notoriously guilty; and of most of them they were accused by our Lord. 1. They said and did not; and laid heavy burdens upon others, which they would not touch with their own fingers, Mat 23:3, Mat 23:4. 2. They made the house of God a den of thieves, Mat 21:13; Joh 2:16. 3. They were guilty of adultery by unjust divorces, Mat 19:9. 4. Their polygamy was scandalous: even their rabbins, when they came to any place, would exclaim, Who will be my wife for a day? As to idolatry, they were perfectly saved from it ever since the Babylonish captivity but to this succeeded sacrilege, as is most evident in the profanation of the temple, by their commerce transacted even within its courts; and their teaching the people that even their aged parents might be left to starve, provided the children made a present to the temple of that which should have gone for their support. According to Josephus, Bell. Jud. l. vi. c. 26, They were guilty of theft, treachery, adultery, sacrilege, rapine, and murder. And he adds, that new ways of wickedness were invented by them; and that of all their abominations the temple was the receptacle. In his Antiquities of the Jews, lib. xx. c. 8, he says: The servants of the high priests took away, by violence, the tithes of the priests, so that many of them perished for want of food. Even their own writers acknowledge that there were great irregularities and abominations among the rabbins. So Bereshith rabba, sect. 55, fol. 54: "Rabbi Abun proposed a parable concerning a master who taught his disciples not to pervert justice, and yet did it himself; not to show respect of persons, and yet did it himself; not to receive bribes, and yet received them himself; not to take usury, and yet took it himself. The disciple replied: - Rabbi, thou teachest me not to take usury, and yet thou takest it thyself! Can that be lawful to thee which is forbidden to me?"
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou that makest thy boast of the law,.... Of their having it, which other nations had not; of their knowledge of it, which many of their own people were without, or had but a small share of; and of their keeping of it even to perfection: through breaking of the law dishonourest thou God? sin sometimes is expressed by a word which signifies a "fall"; sometimes by another, which signifies missing of the mark, or straying from it; sometimes by another, which signifies a "contrariety to the law" of God; and here, by one which signifies a "passing over it", and the bounds which it has set, as the rule of man's obedience; and hereby God, the lawgiver, is dishonoured: for as God is glorified by good works, when rightly performed, he is dishonoured by evil ones; for his authority, as a lawgiver, is trampled upon and despised. Now persons guilty of such iniquities as here mentioned, could not be justified before God, or accepted by him on account of any works of righteousness done by them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:21-22 Paul again uses the diatribe style to expose the inconsistency of Jewish claims (see study note on 2:1-5).