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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 2:8

Verse 8 8.But to those who are contentious, etc. There is some irregularity in the passage; first, on account of its tenor being interrupted, for the thread of the discourse required, that the second clause of the contrast should be thus connected, — “The Lord will render to them, who by perseverance in good works, seek glory, and honor, and immortality, eternal life; but to the contentious and the disobedient, eternal death.” Then the conclusion might be joined, — “That for the former are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 2:1-11

Without excuse. Hitherto Paul had carried his Jewish reader with him, for the Jews were glad to condemn the Gentiles. From the high tribunal of their Law they "judged" the misdeeds of the heathen. And, in the exercise of this censorious spirit of judgment, they would perhaps catch at the idea ( Romans 1:20 ) that the heathen were without excuse by reason of their possible knowledge of God. But how quickly does the relentless logic of the apostle turn back this truth upon themselves!... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 2:1-16

The leading principles regulating the general judgment. Having stated so clearly the state of the Gentile world as under God's wrath, the apostle now introduces to us a critic who endorses the Divine dealings. He is a severe critic, as guilty men will often be. His spirit towards the heathen world, so manifestly under the Divine curse, is, "Serve them right." He is evidently a Jew (cf Romans 2:17 ). Criticizing the heathen world from the platform of superior privileges, the Jew... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 2:1-29

( b ) Those who judge others, not excepting the Jews. Here a new stage of the argument, in proof of the position propounded in Romans 1:18 , begins, and is continued to the end of the chapter. The position to be proved is that all mankind is guilty before God (see note on Romans 1:18 ). So far this has been shown with regard to the mass of the heathen world; its general moral corruption, prevalent and condoned, having been pointed out finally as a glaring proof; the main point of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 2:4-6

Long-suffering. It is certain that we live under a moral government administered by a holy and righteous Ruler, of infinite knowledge and irresistible power. Yet there are sinful men who, while admitting this to be the case, live as if they believed that government and retribution had no reference to themselves. The apostle, in this passage, appeals to such persons, expostulates with them, and shows them the guilt and folly of disregarding the Divine Law and authority, and of presuming too... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 2:5-16

"The righteous judgment of God." In the previous verses we saw how the goodness of God is too often received; how there are many who despise the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering. It is especially to such persons that St. Paul addresses his account of God's righteous judgment from the fifth verse to the sixteenth. Those who despise God's goodness have a great fact to face. Those who live as if there was no God, who evade his commandments, who evade his offer of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 2:6

Who will render to every man according to his works . This assertion is no contradiction of the main portion of the Epistle as it proceeds, as to justification being not of works; the phrase here being, not on account of his works, but according to them. " Nequaquam tamen quid valeant, sed quid illis debeatur pretii pronunciat " (Calvin). The ground of justification is not here involved. All that is asserted is what is essential to any true conception of God's justice, viz. that he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 2:6-11

A righteous Judge. That the anticipation of a judgment rises naturally in the mind is shown by the present testimony of conscience—a law recognized as in, yet above us, and by the utterances of heathen writers on morals. The Scriptures corroborate and clarify this conception. The apostle asserts of the future what Abraham felt of the present Providence, "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Will he slay the righteous with the wicked?" Note some particulars confirming the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 2:7-9

To them who by patient continuance in well-doing (literally, good work, ἔργου ἀγαθοῦ , with reference to ἔργα preceding) seek for glory and honour and immortality (literally, incorruption, ἀφθαρσίαν ) , eternal life. But unto them which are contentious (so Authorized Version; in Revised Version, factious. As to true meaning, see below), and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 2:6

Who will render - That is, who will make retribution as a righteous Judge; or who will give to every man as he deserves.To every man - To each one. This is a general principle, and it is clear that in this respect God would deal with the Jew as he does with the Gentile. This general principle the apostle is establishing, that he may bring it to bear on the Jew, and to show that he cannot escape simply because he is a Jew.According to his deeds - That is, as he deserves; or God will be just, and... read more

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