Romans 2:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 2:17
17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
Chapter Context
Romans 2 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, covenant, judgment. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 2:17
17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
Analysis
Behold, thou art called a Jew—Ἴδε σὺ Ἰουδαῖος ἐπονομάζῃ (ide sy Ioudaios eponomazē). Ἐπονομάζω (eponomazō, "are named/called") emphasizes identity claim—bearing the honored title "Jew" (Judean, praised one, from Judah). Paul now shifts from general argument (1:18-2:16) to direct address, confronting Jewish presumption head-on. The vocative Ἴδε (ide, "behold/look") arrests attention. And restest in the law—ἐπαναπαύῃ νόμῳ (epanapaēē nomō), "repose/rely on the law." False security, treating Torah possession as guarantee rather than responsibility.
And makest thy boast of God—καυχᾶσαι ἐν θεῷ (kauchasai en theō, "boast in God"). Legitimate boasting (Jeremiah 9:23-24, 1 Corinthians 1:31), corrupted into ethnic pride. Jews rightly celebrated knowing the true God versus Gentile idolatry, but twisted privilege into presumption. Paul himself once boasted in Jewish pedigree (Philippians 3:4-6) until Christ shattered it, counting it as σκύβαλα (skybala, "rubbish/dung").
Verses 17-20 catalog Jewish privileges—name, law, relationship with God, knowledge, confident leadership—then verses 21-24 devastate with hypocrisy accusations. The structure mirrors Jesus's Matthew 23 woes against scribes and Pharisees. Paul's rhetoric shifts from third-person argument to second-person indictment, personalizing the confrontation. This isn't anti-Jewish polemic but internal critique from a devout Jew addressing fellow Jews (Paul's self-description: Romans 11:1, Philippians 3:5).
Historical Context
First-century Jews wore the title "Jew" with immense pride, distinguishing themselves from Gentile ethnē (nations). Post-exilic Judaism developed strong ethnic identity centered on Torah, temple, and territorial claims. The Maccabean revolt (167-160 BC) intensified this, celebrating Jewish resistance to Hellenization. By Paul's era, many Jews viewed their covenant status as guaranteeing divine favor, treating God as tribal deity rather than universal Creator who judges impartially.
Reflection
- What religious identity or title do I 'rest in'—Christian, church member, baptized—treating it as guarantee rather than calling?
- How do I 'boast in God'—celebrating privilege in knowing Him, or presuming on relationship without transformation?
- In what ways might I be trusting my spiritual heritage (Christian family, biblical knowledge) instead of personal faith in Christ?
Word Studies
- Law: νόμος (Nomos) G3551 - Law
Cross-References
- References God: Matthew 3:9
- Word: Romans 2:23
- Parallel theme: Micah 3:11, John 5:45, Revelation 2:9