Keraia
Romans 2

Romans 2:7

God’s Righteous Judgment · Romans 2:1–16
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Translations

Modern
To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.
Traditional
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
Literal
…to those who indeed with perseverance in good work are seeking glory and honor and immortality, eternal life;
Latin
…iis quidem qui secundum patientiam boni operis, gloriam, et honorem, et incorruptionem quærunt, vitam æternam:

Original

Greek
English
To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.

Notes

Romans 2:7

To those … doing good … He will give eternal life: Paul explains elsewhere that no one can receive eternal life except as God's gift through faith (3:20, 28; 4:1–8). Here, Paul may be speaking about Christians whose good actions come from faith and will be considered in God’s judgment. Or he may be pointing to God’s perfect standard of holiness, which shows that only complete perfection could bring acceptance before God. As Paul’s argument continues, he shows that no one is able to meet this standard.

Romans 2:6–11

Paul uses a chiasm (a pattern shaped like an “X,” where ideas are repeated in reverse order) to make his point:

  • A God judges everyone the same (2:6)

    • B Life is the reward for doing good (2:7)

      • C Wrath is the penalty for evil (2:8)

      • C′ Wrath for doing evil (2:9)

    • B′ Life for doing good (2:10)

  • A' God shows no favoritism (2:11)

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.

Parallels

Psalm 75:1–10

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Faith Hell Letter to the Romans Perseverance Sin

Topics

Applying the Bible Confronting Sin Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Eternal Life: Cannot be Inherited by Works Evil Men Following the Will of God Gentiles: Unclassified Sciptures Relating To Going to Hell Immortality: General Scriptures Concerning Judgment: According to Opportunity and Works Judgment: The General Life: Everlasting Missionaries Patience: General Scriptures Concerning Patience: To be Exercised: Well-Doing Perseverance: General Scriptures Concerning Perseverance: To be Manifested in Well-Doing Pressing toward the Goal Return of Christ The End Times The Immortal Soul The Reward of Saints is from God The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Life What Happens When you Die Wicked (People): Contrasted with Righteous People