Enter: The Law

Paul’s argument in chapter two is building off the premise laid in chapter one: man’s innate depravity. Because of this universal sinfulness, he says, those who judge are inexcusable (also pretty illogical and ridiculous.) He highlights the folly of these “judges” with a couple questions: Do you think you will escape the judgement of God that you are calling down on others? Do you despise God because he’s been so patient? In the next verse he answers the questions. They won’t escape God’s judgement; because of their stubbornness they merit God’s wrath, and they’ll get it!

Now that Paul has established the concept of judgement, he introduces a new term that will dominate the literary scene for the next few chapters: the law. “For”, says Paul, “as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law, in the day when God will judge the secrets of men.” (The “for” refers to his statement in verse 11: “there is no partiality with God.” [If that sentence of Paul’s seems convoluted, consider that I’ve taken out three verses of parenthetical observations, and a couple prepositional phrases to avoid clouding the main point of the sentence.])

So, the law is a criterion for judgement. His readers would have been familiar with the content of the law, (such as the ten commandments, which are alluded to in verses 21-22) as well as the concept that they would be judged by their adherence or lack thereof to it’s ordinances. But Paul is quick to point out that even with the law, people still sin: “You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?”  He also reiterates a point he made earlier: head knowledge is not enough to avert judgement. It is fascinating to see Paul’s argument building:

1. Man is depraved
2. Judgement exists
3. For those under the law, judgment is according to the law
4. Outward Judaism no longer matters

Now Paul is ready to continue on to what replaces the “letter of the law” in chapter 3.

1Cor. 16:23-24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.