Romans 2:15

Translations

Modern

So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them

Traditional

Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

Literal

…who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and the thoughts between one another accusing or also defending them

Latin

…qui ostendunt opus legis scriptum in cordibus suis, testimonium reddente illis conscientia ipsorum, et inter se invicem cogitationibus accusantibus, aut etiam defendentibus,

Original

Greek

English

So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them

Notes

Romans 2:14–15

Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature what the law requires: This fits with the idea that the law is written on their hearts (2:15), which points to the promise of the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31–34).

Or Paul may be speaking about non-Christian Gentiles. These Gentiles know God’s basic moral law through their conscience. In this case, Paul shows that all people can be held responsible for basic moral standards, even without God’s written law.

Romans 1:18–3:20

Paul waits to explain righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until he first teaches about the sinfulness of all people. Both non-Jews and Jews are equally under the power of sin (1:18–32; 2:1–3:8). Because of this, both groups are in the same situation before God. No one can gain God’s favor by their own actions or obedience (3:9–20). All people need God’s saving action, not their own efforts.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Hardened Hearts Natural Revelation Retribution Sin Enters the World The Limitations of Law

Related verses

2 Corinthians 5:11
Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.
Titus 1:15
To the pure, all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Indeed, both their minds and their consciences are defiled.
2 Corinthians 1:12
For this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.
Romans 1:18–19
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.
Romans 9:1
I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit.
1 Timothy 4:2
…influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.
1 John 3:19–21
And by this we will know that we belong to the truth, and will assure our hearts in His presence:
Job 27:6
I will cling to my righteousness and never let go. As long as I live, my conscience will not accuse me.
Genesis 20:5
Didn’t Abraham tell me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ I have done this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands.”
Ecclesiastes 7:22
For you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
Genesis 42:21–22
Then they said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.”
Acts 24:16
In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.

Romans 2:15

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