Rom 2:12-16 | RWP | e4.org | Have sinned ( ημαρτον ). Constative aorist active indicative, "sinned," a timeless aorist. Without law ( ανομως ). Old adverb "contrary to law," "unjustly," but here in ignorance of the Mosaic law (or of any law). Nowhere else in N.T. Shall also perish without law ( ανομως κα απολουντα ). Future middle indicative of απολλυμ , to destroy. This is a very important statement. The heathen who sin are lost, because they do not keep the law which they have, not because they do not have the Mosaic law or Christianity. Under law ( εν νομω ). In the sphere of the Mosaic law. By the law ( δια νομου ). The Jew has to stand or fall by the Mosaic law.

‏ Romans 2:12-16

Have sinned ( ημαρτον ). Constative aorist active indicative, "sinned," a timeless aorist.

Without law ( ανομως ). Old adverb "contrary to law," "unjustly," but here in ignorance of the Mosaic law (or of any law). Nowhere else in N.T.

Shall also perish without law ( ανομως κα απολουντα ). Future middle indicative of απολλυμ, to destroy. This is a very important statement. The heathen who sin are lost, because they do not keep the law which they have, not because they do not have the Mosaic law or Christianity.

Under law ( εν νομω ). In the sphere of the Mosaic law.

By the law ( δια νομου ). The Jew has to stand or fall by the Mosaic law.

Not the hearers--but the doers ( ου γαρ ο ακροαται--αλλ' ο ποιητα ). The law was read in the synagogue, but there was no actual virtue in listening. The virtue is in doing. See a like contrast by James between "hearers" and "doers" of the gospel (Jas 1:22-25).

Before God ( παρα τω θεω ). By God's side, as God looks at it.

Shall be justified ( δικαιωθησοντα ). Future passive indicative of δικαιοω, to declare righteous, to set right. "Shall be declared righteous." Like Jas 1:22-25.

That have no law ( τα μη νομον εχοντα ). Better, "that have not the law" (the Mosaic law).

By nature ( φυσε ). Instrumental case of φυσις, old word from φυω, to beget. The Gentiles are without the Mosaic law, but not without some knowledge of God in conscience and when they do right "they are a law to themselves" ( εαυτοις εισιν νομος ). This is an obvious reply to the Jewish critic.

In that they ( οιτινες ). "The very ones who," qualitative relative.

Written in their hearts ( γραπτον εν ταις καρδιαις αυτων ). Verbal adjective of γραφω, to write. When their conduct corresponds on any point with the Mosaic law they practise the unwritten law in their hearts.

Their conscience bearing witness therewith ( συνμαρτυρουσης αυτων της συνειδησεως ). On conscience ( συνειδησις ) see on 1Co 8:7; 10:25f.; 2Co 1:12. Genitive absolute here with present active participle συνμαρτυρουσης as in 9:1. The word συνειδησις means co-knowledge by the side of the original consciousness of the act. This second knowledge is personified as confronting the first (Sanday and Headlam). The Stoics used the word a great deal and Paul has it twenty times. It is not in the O.T., but first in this sense in Wisdom 17:10. All men have this faculty of passing judgment on their actions. It can be over-scrupulous (1Co 10:25) or "seared" by abuse (1Ti 4:12). It acts according to the light it has.

Their thoughts one with another accusing or also excusing them ( μεταξυ αλληλων των λογισμων κατηγορουντων η κα απολογουμενων ). Genitive absolute again showing the alternative action of the conscience, now accusing, now excusing. Paul does not say that a heathen's conscience always commends everything that he thinks, says, or does. In order for one to be set right with God by his own life he must always act in accord with his conscience and never have its disapproval. That, of course, is impossible else Christ died for naught (Ga 2:21). Jesus alone lived a sinless life. For one to be saved without Christ he must also live a sinless life.

According to my gospel ( κατα το ευαγγελιον μου ). What Paul preaches (1Co 15:1) and which is the true gospel