Romans 2:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 2:22
22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
Chapter Context
Romans 2 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, redemption, 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 2:22
22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
Analysis
Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery?—ὁ λέγων μὴ μοιχεύειν μοιχεύεις (ho legōn mē moicheuein moicheueis). The seventh commandment, violated by those who proclaim it. Μοιχεύω (moicheuō, "commit adultery") could be literal sexual infidelity or the spiritual adultery Israel committed through idolatry (Jeremiah 3:8-9, Ezekiel 16, Hosea). Jesus expanded adultery to include lustful looking (Matthew 5:27-28), making this commandment's violation nearly universal.
Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?—ὁ βδελυσσόμενος τὰ εἴδωλα ἱεροσυλεῖς (ho bdelyssomenos ta eidōla hierosyleis). Βδελύσσομαι (bdelyssomai, "abhor/detest") describes visceral revulsion—Jews rightly despised idolatry. But ἱεροσυλέω (hierosyleō, "commit sacrilege/rob temples") could mean literally plundering pagan temples (acquiring idols or valuables) or metaphorically defiling God's temple (the people, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17) through sin.
The irony is thick: those who abhor idols engage in temple robbery—either literal (acquiring pagan artifacts for profit, Acts 19:37 mentions this accusation) or spiritual (robbing God of glory due Him by hypocritical living). Some Jews may have trafficked in idols they claimed to detest, profiting from Gentile idolatry while condemning it. Deeper still, hypocrisy itself is sacrilege—profaning God's name and temple (His people) while claiming to honor Him.
Historical Context
Jewish abhorrence of idolatry was fundamental identity marker, distinguishing them from pagan neighbors. The Maccabean revolt began over forced idol worship. By Paul's era, Jews refused even to handle coins with Caesar's image or enter buildings with statues. However, some Jews evidently engaged in temple robbery—perhaps acquiring valuable pagan artifacts to sell, or trafficking in idol paraphernalia. Acts 19:37 shows Paul's companions were accused of being "robbers of temples," an accusation he denies, suggesting this was known Jewish practice.
Reflection
- What 'adultery' might I commit while condemning sexual immorality—lustful thoughts, emotional affairs, pornography?
- Do I 'abhor idols' (materialism, success, comfort) publicly while secretly serving them?
- How do I commit 'sacrilege'—robbing God of glory, profaning His name through hypocrisy, defiling the temple (my body, the church)?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Malachi 3:8