In the first verse of the second chapter of Romans we read something strange. I’ve stumbled across it more than once, not knowing why those words are there now. Paul writes there:

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man – everyone who judges; for in judging the other you condemn yourself; for you who judge commit the same. But we know that the judgment of God upon them that do such things is according to the truth.”
Rom 2:1-2

These words, however strange on first reading, are full of confidence as Paul paints the background for God’s work in Christ.

From which point of view is spoken?

Who is this person Paul is talking about? And why does the apostle speak about condemnation and about the judgment of God? What exactly is going on here? It sounds as if a confrontation between good and evil is taking place here, with God taking the position of good, and some man – or all men? – occupy the position of evil. You won’t read any encouragement here, but harsh words.

As always when reading the Bible, we should not take a text out of context. The text has a meaning in its own context and we cannot simply bend, change or alter that meaning as we see fit.

Sometimes, however, something else happens: some people read such words and feel themselves condemned, as if God has it in for him, for her, for you. These are terrible words from an unapproachable God who comes to you with judgment and justice and not at all with love. Especially in such an interpretation, it is essential for understanding that we read the text in its own context. Maybe we are meant, but maybe not, or it is once again about something completely different.

The structure of the Letter to the Romans

Already something was written about the structure of the Epistle to the Romans (“Structure of the Epistle to the Romans”). This is about the bigger picture. If we read only one or two verses, we easily lose touch with the context of those words.

From Romans 1:18 to Romans 3:20 runs a lengthy section in which Paul speaks about the change of mankind. He looks at this issue from different angles. At the end of this section, he sums it up by saying that there is no man who is righteous, not even one. All mankind fails to remain in harmony with God’s nature and work (Rom 3:9-12).

So now when we hear in chapter 2:1-2 about “one man” judging others, it is not about judging someone, and others about not. Paul is in the process of placing all people under the righteous judgment of God.

“That every man’s mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may come under the righteous judgment of God…”
Rom 3:19

We should listen carefully, but there is no reason to condemn ourselves and classify ourselves as more worthy of condemnation than others. Paul makes an equalization of all people by saying: No one is righteous, not even one.

In this structure of the Letter to the Romans, Paul builds up his speech paragraph by paragraph. We study these passages much more slowly than they were once simply read to the congregation. It may be quite helpful if we read through this passage (Rom 1:18 to Rom 3:20) once in one piece. Then the inner connection becomes clearer.

O man!

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man.”

The “therefore” introduces a rationale. It connects the statements from the previous chapter with these verses. The person Paul now mentions must have something to do with the preceding verses.

Earlier, the apostle spoke of aberrations. Not aberrations by people in the community, but by people outside the community. God does not punish these people, but several times it is pointed out that “God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts” (Rom 1:24; Rom 1:26; Rom 1:28). He also specified this by speaking of injustice, wickedness, evil nature, greed, envy, and many other things.

It is so easy with such things to place oneself above and look down on these others. This is how Paul must have imagined the readers’ thoughts, because this is where the first verses of the second chapter tie in:

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man – everyone who judges; for in judging the other you condemn yourself; for you who judge commit the same.”
Rom 2:1

So Paul imagines a reaction of arrogance from his audience. If God rejects certain things, but also lets people go their own ways, we should not be condescending and judgmental about those who do. Because if we do, we belong to the same group in which injustice, wickedness, evil nature, greed, envy and many other negative things are rampant. It’s not our place to do it that way. We do need to discern and gain clarity for ourselves, but judging is not our place.

The point is this: self-righteousness does not protect you from God’s judgment. Therefore, the apostle continues to ride along:

“But we know that the judgment of God on those who commit such things is according to the truth.”
Rom 2:2

Or in other words: We should not make the same mistake.

Inexcusable

The word “inexcusable” (gr. anapologeton) occurs only twice. The first time we read the word was in Romans 1:20. It says there:

“His invisible traits have become comprehensible and apparent in the works of deeds since the creation of the world (namely, His imperceptible power and divinity), so that they may be inexcusable. Because, knowing God, they do not glorify Him as God or thank Him.”
Rom 1:20-21

The second time is here in the second chapter:

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man – anyone who judges.”
Rom 2:1

So both those outside the community and those inside the community are not very far apart. We stand in the community, but that does not mean that we are faultless and can look down on others from a higher position. On the contrary! We know this, but consciously choose to set it up differently. This is without perfection, but with a clear goal in mind. Those who behave differently remain in an old position. Those who condemn others make themselves guilty. He is inexcusable.

Paul takes up the theme in many places. The old has passed away and behold, all has become new! So we should not repeat the mistakes of the past, but rather reach out for a new life. These are daily, consciously made decisions. We no longer have to judge, but rather can contribute something for the good. There is no point in persisting in complaining if we can grow in life.

Much later, in Ephesians, the apostle writes along these lines:

“Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth), testing what is pleasing to the Lord! Do not participate in the unfruitful works of darkness, much more expose them as such! […] Therefore it is also said, Awake, you who slumber, arise from the dead, and the Christ will shine upon you!”
From: Eph 5:9-14