For GodThis phrase emphasizes the divine nature and authority of God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. In the context of Romans, Paul is addressing both Jewish and Gentile believers, highlighting that God is the ultimate judge of all humanity. The concept of God as impartial is rooted in the Old Testament, where God is often described as just and righteous (
Deuteronomy 10:17).
does not show favoritism.
This phrase underscores the impartiality of God in His judgment and dealings with humanity. In the cultural context of the time, Jewish people often saw themselves as having a special status before God due to their covenant relationship. However, Paul is making it clear that God's justice is not based on ethnicity, social status, or any human distinction. This is consistent with other biblical passages such asActs 10:34-35, where Peter acknowledges that God accepts those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. Theologically, this reflects the universality of the gospel message and the equal need for salvation among all people, pointing to the inclusive nature of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.
2.
The Roman ChurchThe recipients of the letter, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers, who were navigating the complexities of faith and cultural differences.
3.
GodThe central figure in this verse, emphasizing His impartial nature in judgment and grace.
4.
Jewish and Gentile BelieversThe groups addressed in the letter, highlighting the theme of unity and equality before God.
5.
The LawRefers to the Mosaic Law, which was a point of contention between Jewish and Gentile believers regarding its role in salvation.
Teaching Points
God's ImpartialityGod judges all people equally, without favoritism based on ethnicity, social status, or any other human distinction.
Unity in ChristBelievers are called to reflect God's impartiality by embracing unity and equality within the body of Christ, transcending cultural and social barriers.
Righteous LivingOur actions and attitudes should align with God's character, showing fairness and justice in our interactions with others.
Salvation for AllThe gospel is available to everyone, and we should actively share it without prejudice or discrimination.
Self-ExaminationRegularly assess personal biases and strive to treat others with the same fairness and love that God extends to us.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Romans 2:11?
2.How does Romans 2:11 challenge our understanding of God's impartiality?
3.What actions demonstrate living out God's impartiality in daily life?
4.How does Romans 2:11 connect with James 2:1 on favoritism?
5.In what ways can the church reflect God's impartiality in its community?
6.How can believers ensure they treat others without favoritism, as Romans 2:11 teaches?
7.How does Romans 2:11 challenge the idea of divine favoritism?
8.What historical context influenced Paul's message in Romans 2:11?
9.How does Romans 2:11 align with the theme of God's impartiality?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 2?
11.Does God show favoritism among people?
12.How does Romans 2:11 reconcile the idea of God’s impartiality with other biblical texts that seem to favor specific groups?
13.What defines the Hindu caste system?
14.What are the Bible's teachings on human rights?What Does Romans 2:11 Mean
ForPaul has just affirmed that “glory, honor, and peace” are available “to everyone who does good—first to the Jew, then to the Greek” (Romans 2:10). The word “For” connects that promise to an unshakable reason: God’s own character.
• “For” signals an explanation—why Jew and Gentile alike stand on the same footing before Him.
• Peter uses the same logic when he says, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism” (Acts 10:34–35), opening the door of the gospel to Gentiles.
• Moses grounded Israel’s care for outsiders on the identical truth: “For the LORD your God…shows no partiality” (Deuteronomy 10:17–19).
In each case, “for” introduces a divine principle that overturns human prejudice.
GodThe spotlight turns to the One whose nature defines reality.
• He alone is “righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds” (Psalm 145:17).
• His judgments flow from perfect knowledge—“there is no variation or shifting shadow” in Him (James 1:17).
Because God is holy, His treatment of people cannot be swayed by social standing, ethnicity, or personal merit. Every verdict He renders is rooted in His unchanging purity.
does notPaul states the principle negatively to slam the door on every exception.
• “God is not a man, that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19); what He says, He does.
• “I, the LORD, do not change” (Malachi 3:6); His impartiality is constant.
This refusal to budge assures us that the righteous will be rewarded and the unrepentant judged, regardless of background (Romans 2:6–8).
showFavoritism is not merely an inner bias; it is something that can be “shown.”
• Human rulers often “show partiality” to the rich (James 2:1–4), but God’s actions never display such prejudice.
• Even His saving love is displayed universally: “For God so loved the world” (John 3:16).
Everything God “shows” mirrors His equitable heart—whether blessing (Acts 10:45) or judgment (Revelation 20:12).
favoritismThe term pictures lifting one face over another—choosing based on externals.
• In the gospel era Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female all meet at the foot of the same cross (Galatians 3:28).
• In daily life God expects us to reflect His standard: “Masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him” (Ephesians 6:9).
• Final judgment will mirror this equity: “The one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism” (Colossians 3:25).
InRomans 2 the point is crystal clear: heritage or privilege cannot shield anyone from God’s impartial assessment; repentance and faith are the only refuge.
summaryRomans 2:11—“For God does not show favoritism”—anchors Paul’s argument that every person, Jew or Gentile, faces the same righteous Judge and is offered the same gracious gospel. The connective “For” explains the equal promise of verse 10; “God” points to His holy, unchanging character; “does not” rules out exceptions; “show” highlights that His actions match His nature; “favoritism” exposes the human tendency He utterly rejects. The verse calls believers to rest in God’s fair dealings and to mirror that impartiality in every relationship.
(11)
Respect of persons.--Regard for the external circumstances of a man as opposed to his internal condition; here, especially, "regard for the circumstances of birth and race." (Comp.
Acts 10:34;
Galatians 2:6;
Ephesians 6:9;
Colossians 3:25;
James 2:1;
James 2:9.) It is interesting to observe the phrase appearing in such different quarters. The great result of the Christian revelation was to break down the belief in
race-religions--the "middle wall of partition," as St. Paul calls it. . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forγάρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.GodΘεῷ(Theō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.does not showἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.favoritism.προσωπολημψία(prosōpolēmpsia)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4382:Partiality, favoritism. From prosopoleptes; partiality, i.e. Favoritism.
Links
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NT Letters: Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God (Rom. Ro) 
