Meaning of Romans 2:18

This verse from Romans 2:18 highlights the inherent advantage and responsibility that comes with possessing divine instruction, specifically the Law given to Israel. It asserts that those who have been taught by the Law not only know God's will but also approve of what is morally superior, implying a discerning capacity to distinguish right from wrong and to value righteousness. This approval is not merely intellectual assent but a deeper endorsement, suggesting an alignment of one's inner judgment with God's revealed standards. The implication is that such knowledge and discernment should lead to a corresponding life of obedience, setting a standard that even the uninstructed should recognize.

Context and Background

Paul is addressing Jewish people who pride themselves on their possession of the Law, believing it makes them righteous and superior to Gentiles. In Romans chapters 1 and 2, Paul systematically dismantles this self-righteousness by demonstrating that all humanity, both Jew and Gentile, stands condemned before God due to sin. He argues that mere outward adherence to the Law or ethnic identity is insufficient for justification. This verse, therefore, serves as a rhetorical question or a statement of fact directed at the moralistic Jew, pointing out that their very possession of the Law should have equipped them with a superior understanding of God's will and a keen appreciation for what is morally excellent.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Instruction: The central theme is the concept of being "instructed by the law." This refers to the Mosaic Law, which was given by God to guide the Israelites in their covenant relationship with Him.
• Knowledge of God's Will: The Law provided a clear revelation of God's desires and commands, making His will knowable.
• Discernment of Superiority: The Law enabled those who understood it to distinguish between what is good and evil, right and wrong, and ultimately, to recognize and value what is morally superior – God's righteous standards.
• Responsibility: The possession of such knowledge and discernment brings with it a significant responsibility to live in accordance with it, a responsibility that Paul will later show has been universally failed.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse underscores the principle that greater knowledge brings greater accountability. For believers today, while the Mosaic Law is not the primary means of salvation, the principles it conveyed are still relevant. We are "instructed" by Scripture, which reveals God's will. This instruction should cultivate in us a discerning spirit, enabling us to recognize and embrace what is morally excellent and pleasing to God. The spiritual application lies in actively engaging with God's Word, allowing it to shape our understanding of righteousness and to cultivate within us a genuine approval of His ways, leading to intentional obedience.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse fits within the overarching narrative of God's progressive revelation and humanity's response. God gave the Law to Israel as a means to reveal His character and to set them apart. However, the history of Israel, as recorded in the Old Testament, is a testament to their frequent failure to live up to this divine instruction. Paul uses this concept of knowing God's will through the Law to build his argument that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). The Law, while good, could not impart the righteousness it demanded; only Christ could. This verse, therefore, sets the stage for Paul's exposition of justification by faith in Jesus Christ.

Analogies

Imagine a student who is given a comprehensive textbook and receives excellent tutoring on a subject. This student knows the correct answers and approves of the superior methods taught in the book. They have the tools and understanding to excel. Similarly, the Jews, with the Law, had the "textbook" and "tutoring" for righteousness. Another analogy is a skilled craftsman who, having studied the blueprints and mastered the techniques, can recognize and appreciate the superior design and execution of a masterwork, distinguishing it from shoddy workmanship.

Relation to Other Verses

• Romans 2:17-18: This verse is part of a longer rhetorical questioning by Paul. The preceding verse (2:17) states, "Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God." This verse (2:18) then elaborates on what that supposed reliance should entail.
• Deuteronomy 4:6: "Observe them (the commands) carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear of all these decrees and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'" This echoes the idea that the Law provides a framework for wisdom and understanding.
• Matthew 5:19: Jesus states, "Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commandments and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." This highlights the importance of both knowing and doing God's commands.
• Romans 3:20: "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, it is by the law that we know the sinful nature of sin." This verse directly contrasts with the idea of achieving righteousness through the Law, showing its ultimate purpose is to reveal sin.