Limitations of the Law & Covenant

Lesson 11 - Romans 2_17-29

Sunday, March 10, 2019

5:07 PM

Remind of the Diatribe in 1-16

Paul is coming back to that but now in verse 17 he makes it clear who he is talking about -

The Limitations of the Law & Covenant (2:17-29) -

This is split into two sections 17-24 deal with the Law and 25-29 is on Circumcision. I think I need to mention that in verse 12 for the first time in the Book of Romans Paul uses the big "L" word "Law" Every time you see that in this Book I want you to remember the Law of Moses - The Torah- That is the Law that Paul is referring to.

The Jews lack righteousness

In Spite of Possession of the Law (2:17-24)

The Jew's privileges (17-20)

The term Jew first occurred in the OT in II Kings 16:6.

2 Kings 16:6 (KJV)

6 At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elatha: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day. [1]

a from Elath: Heb. from Eloth

“Paul’s use of it here and in verses 28, 29 as well as other evidence (Gal. 2:15; Rev. 2:9; 3:9; cf. Zech. 8:23) indicates it was a name associated in the mind of the Jew with all on which he prided himself.”99

various. Beacon Bible Commentary, Volume 8: Romans Through 1 and 2 Corinthians (Kindle Locations 1101-1103). Beacon Hill Press. Kindle Edition.

Possession of the law and the covenant sign of circumcision were perhaps the two most distinguishing marks of being Jewish. Given to Israel by God himself, they signaled the fact that the Jews were a special people, elevated above all other peoples. In discussing their value in these verses, then, Paul is discussing the ultimate value of being Jewish.

Moo, D. J. (2000). The NIV Application Commentary: Romans (91). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

In a series of “if” clauses, Paul begins by enumerating many of the privileges enjoyed by the Jews (vv. 17–20).

Moo, D. J. (2000). The NIV Application Commentary: Romans (91). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

Romans 2:17-24 (NIV)

17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God; 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark,

20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth--

21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?

22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?

23 You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?

24 As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."

Sacrilege - Rob temples- - taking coins, or precious things from temple idols or the idols themselves (strictly forbidden in The Torah but apparently by this time it was acceptable)

In spite of circumcision (2:25-29)

The value of circumcision (2:25-27) The value of character (2:28-29)