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Deuteronomy 4:8
And what nationis there so great, that hath statutes and judgmentsso righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

Nehemiah 9:13,14
Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: …

Psalm 147:19,20
He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel…

Philippians 1:10
That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

1 Thessalonians 5:21
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Hebrews 5:14
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age,even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

being instructed.

Romans 15:4
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Psalm 19:8
The statutes of the LORDare right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORDis pure, enlightening the eyes.

Psalm 119:98-100,104,105,130
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for theyare ever with me…

and approve of what is superior
Approving what is superior involves discerning and choosing what is best according to God's standards. This echoesPhilippians 1:10, where Paul prays for believers to discern what is best. In the historical context, Jewish leaders often debated what was superior in terms of law and tradition, striving to uphold the highest standards of righteousness. This phrase challenges believers to not only know God's will but to actively choose and endorse what aligns with His perfect nature, reflecting the wisdom and discernment that comes from a life transformed by the Spirit.

because you are instructed by the law;
The law here refers to the Mosaic Law, which was central to Jewish life and identity. Being instructed by the law implies a deep familiarity with the Scriptures, as the law was taught from a young age in Jewish culture. This instruction was not just about legalistic adherence but was intended to guide the people into a covenant relationship with God. The law served as a tutor to lead to Christ (Galatians 3:24), pointing to the need for a Savior and the fulfillment of the law in Jesus. The phrase underscores the privilege and responsibility of those who have been given God's revelation, highlighting the expectation that they live according to its teachings.

Romans 2 zooms in on people who possess God’s written Law—specifically the Jews in Paul’s day. They took pride in having divine revelation, yet many failed to live by it. Paul’s flow of thought (Romans 2:17-24) shows that privilege heightens responsibility. EchoingAmos 3:2—“You only have I chosen… therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities”—Paul reminds his readers that knowledge without obedience invites God’s judgment.

• “If you know His will” highlights that Scripture plainly reveals what God desires (Psalm 119:105).

• This is not vague intuition; it’s concrete commands like “You shall love the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 6:5) and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18; cf.Matthew 22:37-40).

• With the Law in hand, Israel could never plead ignorance (Deuteronomy 30:11-14). The same applies to us who hold the completed Bible (James 4:17).

• To “approve of what is superior” means evaluating choices and declaring what aligns with God’s standards (Philippians 1:9-10).

• Israel’s festivals, dietary distinctions, and moral codes set them apart (Deuteronomy 4:6-8). They could discern right from wrong in ways surrounding nations could not (Psalm 19:7-11).

• Yet mere approval is not enough; Jesus warns of those who “say and do not do” (Matthew 23:3).

• The phrase “because you are instructed by the law” underscores that Scripture is a tutor (Galatians 3:24).

• God’s statutes shape conscience, thinking, and behavior (Psalm 119:98-100).

• Instruction brings accountability (Luke 12:47-48). Possessing light without walking in it leads to greater condemnation (Romans 2:23-24).

• The verse challenges anyone who has biblical knowledge but treats it as a badge rather than a guide.

• True discipleship involves:

– Listening: regular, humble exposure to God’s Word (Acts 17:11).

– Learning: letting truth reshape values and priorities (Romans 12:2).

– Living: obeying from the heart, not just outwardly (James 1:22-25).

• When these steps unite, others “see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Romans 2:18 celebrates the privilege of knowing God’s will, discerning what is best, and being taught by His Law. But in context it serves as a mirror: possession of truth must lead to practice. Knowledge that doesn’t translate into obedience becomes a liability, not an asset. Let the light you have drive you to deeper trust and consistent, joyful conformity to God’s revealed will.

Approvest the things that are more excellent.--Probably rightly given in the Authorised version, though the marginal rendering also is possible, "triest the things that differ"--i.e.,"art able to discriminate between good and evil."

Being instructed.--With reference to the constant reading of the Law in the synagogue.