Romans 2:13

"For as many as have sinned without the law will also perish without the law. As many as have sinned under the law will be judged by the law."

Key Reflection

For those who committed sins outside of the formal legal system of Moses, their judgment would also occur without that formal structure, relying instead on a divine standard of right and wrong. Conversely, individuals who had knowledge of the Mosaic law and yet transgressed it would be judged according to its stringent requirements, highlighting the gravity of breaking explicit divine commandments. This verse underscores the universality of God’s judgment, whether one operates within or outside of formal legal frameworks established in ancient Israel.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 13. For not the hearers, etc. The same sentiment is implied in Jas 1:22; Mt 7:21,24; Lu 6:47. the apostle here doubtless designed to meet an objection of the Jews; to wit, that they had the law, that they manifested great deference for it, that they heard it read with attention, and professed a willingness to yield themselves to it. To meet this, he states a very plain and obvious principle, that this was insufficient to justify them before God, unless they rendered actual obedience. Are just. Are justified before God, or are personally holy. Or, in other words, simply hearing the law is not meeting all its requirements, and making men holy.

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