Romans 2 follows 1:18-32, where Paul demonstrates how the gentiles are under the wrath of God because His natural revelation holds them accountable. It also comes before 3:1-20, where Paul condemns the Jews as being equally (if not more) sinful under the law. He concludes this humbling argument in 3:19-20 when he states, “Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no flesh will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” While Paul demonstrates that the whole world is under condemnation and that the works of the law will justify no one, it is very interesting that Paul says in 2:13, “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified before God.” Those who are doers of the law are justified, yet by the works of the law no flesh will be justified. Has Paul ever heard of the Law on Non-Contradiction?! Ahead, I hope to resolve this apparent contradiction in light of Paul’s rhetorical argument.
2 responses so far ↓
Lee // January 10, 2009 at 4:24 pm |
I have attempted a reconciliation of these two texts here: http://ltdromans.wordpress.com/2007/09/17/romans-214-16-part-2/. I need to rewrite it, but it’s a start.
LTD
Justin Richter // January 14, 2009 at 7:24 pm |
Thanks Lee. I will have to check it out. I am busy right now but when I put up the resolution the problem I wonder how similar our views will be.
You must be logged in to post a comment.