Romans 2

Paul is addressing the Christian Jews particularly in this chapter. As the chosen children of YAH, the Hebrew people were entrusted with the laws of Adonai, the safeguarding of the oral traditions, and borne the responsibility to promulgate the Good News of the life, death, and resurrection of Yeshua. The problem Paul saw as a result, was the volume of boasting, hypocrisy and careless judgment amongst the Jews toward the Gentiles. In his exhortation, Paul reminds the people that it is inexcusable to judge others, especially, when they are guilty of the same sin(s). The judgment of YAH will fall upon those who practice such things. Not to forget, that in trying to remove the  speck from our brethren's eye, we fail to notice the plank in our own eyes (Matthew 7:5). It is through the graciousness and goodness of YAH that we come to repentance through our Meshiach. There is no reason for boasting, since everything we have is unmerited; a gracious gift from YAH. Paul warns "to those who are self- seeking and don't obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness" (v.8) will be judged with wrath, oppression and anguish. But to those who obey and "seek for glory, honor "(v.7,9) shall receive what they seek for. YAH is impartial, judging equally, saving equally, without reservations, without bias. Righteousness unto to YAH is obedience for it is not sufficient to be "hearers of the law but doers" (v.13). The law abides in the hearts of those who meditate on it day and night. YAH will judge according to the depths of our hearts. Man, whether consciously or not, tends to hide the heart behind walls of deceit, hurt, anger, frustrations, pride, and put on a brave countenance, but YAH breaks through all those walls into the bare heart (Psalm 139:1). We could never fool YAH. From the deepest part of our hearts, we will be judged. Paul emphasizes that though, the Jews may have appeared sinless and judge the Gentiles according to the law who didn't have the law, YAH knows the depth of the soul. He goes on to ask if they preach against sin, are they guilty of it as well? Preaching against sin while in sin, is a blind guiding the blind (Matthew 15:14). Paul concludes with circumcision. Now, it is beneficial to note that at the time, Jews considered circumcision of great importance. Circumcision was instituted by YAH to Abraham and his descendants; it was to be the mark of YAH upon His people. Because of Abraham's faithfulness to YAH, YAH not only gave him the promises, but was set apart from the rest of the peoples. In the time after Christ, the Jews had lost the main point of circumcision. They looked down upon the Gentiles due to their lack of circumcision  and judged that they weren't Christians. Instead of extending patience, love and grace toward the Gentiles, the Jews had approached the law in a legalistic manner. Paul's rebuke hits the center of all misunderstanding and exhorts the Jews to stop judging according to outward alterations but to understand that YAH is not impressed by their circumcision... but rather inward change.