Romans 2:12
For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
Word-by-Word Analysis
Analysis
The judgment and justice theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.
Historical Context
This passage must be understood within the cosmopolitan capital of the Roman Empire with diverse populations. The author writes to address a mixed congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers in the imperial capital, making the emphasis on judgment and justice particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.
Questions for Reflection
- What practical applications emerge from understanding judgment and justice as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
- In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about judgment and justice?
- How does this verse's literary context within Romans chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?