Commentary on Romans 2:10

Verse: Romans 2:10 - "But glory, honor, and peace for every one who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

Introduction

This verse sits within the Apostle Paul’s discourse on judgment, righteousness, and the nature of God’s dealings with humanity. In Romans 2, Paul is addressing both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing the impartiality of God in His judgment, and the universal call to righteousness.

Exegesis of the Verse

Paul’s emphasis in this verse lies in the rewards for those who pursue righteousness through good works. It serves as a pivotal point in understanding the broader theme of grace versus works and the implications of moral living in the Christian faith.

Key Themes

• Good Works: Paul highlights that those who do good are recognized and rewarded by God, regardless of their ethnic background.
• Impartiality of God: The phrase “to the Jew first and also to the Greek” reinforces that God's glory, honor, and peace are available to all people.
• Nature of Reward: The outcomes of good deeds are significant and denote the character of God's righteous judgment.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry

Henry elaborates on the nature of glory, honor, and peace. He notes that these are not simply temporal rewards, but they encapsulate the eternal joy and recognition from God. Henry underscores that genuine good works stem from a life transformed by faith and are evidence of a true relationship with God. He highlights that glory is the divine presence, honor refers to the respect that follows righteous living, and peace denotes the tranquility found in right standing with God.

Albert Barnes

Barnes expounds that the phrase "to the Jew first" denotes the historical and covenantal precedence of the Jewish people in God’s redemptive plan. However, he firmly asserts that the subsequent “and also to the Greek” indicates that blessings are no longer exclusive to the Jews but are accessible to all. This universality reflects God’s justice and openness, extending grace to every individual who fulfills the moral requirements laid forth.

Adam Clarke

Clarke emphasizes the moral quality of good deeds. He explains that good works are rooted in the divine law and that they are indicative of the true believer. Clarke argues that when Paul mentions “glory, honor, and peace,” he is summarizing God’s commendation for those whose actions align with His will. Clarke also attaches great importance to the phrase "every one who does good," suggesting that this includes both Jews and Gentiles who authentically pursue righteousness.

Theological Implications

• Universal Call to Righteousness: The text underscores that righteousness is not bound by ethnicity or culture—God’s standard is available to all.
• Judgment by Works: Paul introduces the concept that while salvation is by grace through faith, there is an accountability for how one lives.
• Faith and Works Harmony: The verse invites reflection on the relationship between faith and works in the life of a believer.

Application for Pastors and Theologians

Romans 2:10 calls pastors, theologians, and believers alike to a deeper contemplation of God's righteous standards and the implications for both personal conduct and corporate ministry. It encourages a holistic view of faith that naturally flows into good deeds:

• Preaching Balance: It is essential to preach both grace and the call to righteous living, understanding that they are intrinsically tied.
• Community Responsibility: Encourage congregations to actively participate in good works as a reflection of their faith, impacting their communities positively.
• Ongoing Discernment: Promote a weekly examination of one’s actions and motivations, aiming for alignment with God’s will.

Conclusion

Romans 2:10 encapsulates a profound truth about the nature of God’s judgment, rewarding good deeds irrespective of cultural or ethnic backgrounds. For students of scripture, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of righteous living as a response to the grace received. The shared insights from commentaries by Henry, Barnes, and Clarke enrich our understanding, inviting us to reflect on how we embody the principles of glory, honor, and peace in our daily lives.