There is a lot to cover in chapter 2, we will only be scratching the surface in Paul’s argument. One thing to keep in mind is that Paul is continuing the argument from chapter 1:18-32. To break this down we will see first the Jews, then the Greeks, and the reasoning behind this chapter.

The Jews

One of the groups of people Paul mentions in this chapter is the Jews. Paul mentions two specific things about the Jews that were unique to them. One they were given the Mosaic law, secondly, they were given the sign of circumcision that was a sign of a covenant with Israel. That meant that the Jews were in their own separate category of people apart from the Gentiles. The Jews were called to be a light to other nations around them, they were most certainly in a unique position. Paul argues that even though they were in a unique position they are still sinners because they break the law in many different ways. Verse 21-23 “You then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law.” Paul goes even further and says, even if you are circumcised and you break the law you become uncircumcised meaning that you void your membership within Israel. Paul says this because some Jews might look at the list of sins Paul lists out in chapter 1:18-32 and say, “I’m glad I'm not like that.” But Paul is very consistent in reminding them that they are still sinners because they fail to keep the law.

The Greeks

When Paul speaks of the Greeks, he speaks of those who are Gentiles who are not part of the Jewish people. What Paul argues for the gentiles is that even though they were not put in a unique position like the Jews were, and they did not have the law given to them, they are still sinners. One commentator said that “having or not having the law makes no difference.” Just because the Gentiles did not have the law given to them physically on stones tablets, God still wrote the law on their hearts. That means that God gave them the ability to know what is right and what is wrong. God writes the law of morality on their hearts. Which is why, sometimes we can see unbelieving people live exemplary lives, yet that does not mean they have not sinned against God. The Gentiles' conscience knows right from wrong because God has engraved it on their heart, but just because they might live a “good” life does not mean they are not sinners. On the contrary, because they have the law written on their hearts God will judge them just like he judges the Jews who break the law that was given to them because they are not perfect and sin in one way or the other.

The Reasoning Behind this Chapter

The reason Paul makes a distinction between these two groups of people is stated in verses 1-11. Paul wants to show us that it does not matter in which way we have received the law, whether on tablets or on the heart, God will still judge all according to their sin. Verse 11 “For God shows no partiality.” God looks at us all the same, people who have sinned against Him and deserve his righteous judgment and wrath. We can say we are not like any of the things that Paul lists in chapter 1:18-32 but even if that were true, none of us has perfectly lived according to God’s standards and God is a God who judges justly and shows no partiality. God will judge the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. There is not one sin that will be hidden from God, the question is will you rely on your own righteousness or the righteousness of someone else? If you have not repented of your sins and believed in Christ, then God’s wrath will burn hot against you and there will be no escape. If you have believed in Christ, then we know that Christ himself bore the full wrath of God on our behalf and we are hidden in Christ and counted as righteous because of what he has done for us.