And we knowThis phrase emphasizes certainty and shared understanding among believers. It reflects the apostle Paul's confidence in the knowledge of God's character and His righteous standards. This assurance is rooted in the teachings of the Old Testament and the revelation of God's nature throughout Scripture.
that God’s judgment
God's judgment refers to His divine assessment and decision-making regarding human actions. In the biblical context, judgment is a central theme, highlighting God's role as the ultimate judge of all creation. This judgment is consistent with His holiness and justice, as seen in passages likePsalm 9:7-8 andRevelation 20:11-15.
against those who do such things
"Such things" refers to the sinful behaviors listed in the preceding chapter,Romans 1, which includes idolatry, immorality, and various forms of wickedness. This phrase underscores the universality of sin and the impartiality of God's judgment, as He holds all people accountable for their actions, regardless of their background or status.
is based on truth
God's judgment is grounded in truth, meaning it is fair, accurate, and unchanging. This reflects God's nature as truthful and just, as seen inDeuteronomy 32:4 andJohn 14:6. The concept of truth in judgment assures believers that God's decisions are not arbitrary but are rooted in His perfect knowledge and righteousness.
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, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.
3.
Judgment of GodA central theme in
Romans 2, referring to God's righteous and impartial judgment of human actions.
Teaching Points
God's Righteous JudgmentRomans 2:2 states, "And we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth." This emphasizes that God's judgment is not arbitrary but grounded in truth and righteousness. Believers are called to trust in God's perfect justice.
Impartiality of GodThe Greek word for "judgment" (krima) underscores the fairness and impartiality of God's decisions. Unlike human judgment, which can be biased, God's judgment is equitable and just.
Self-ExaminationBefore judging others, Christians are encouraged to examine their own lives. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that self-awareness and repentance are crucial in the Christian walk.
Living in Light of God's JudgmentUnderstanding that God's judgment is based on truth should lead believers to live lives of integrity and holiness, knowing that their actions are seen and evaluated by God.
Encouragement to Share the GospelRecognizing the reality of God's judgment should motivate Christians to share the gospel, as it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Romans 2:2?
2.How does Romans 2:2 affirm God's judgment as "based on truth"?
3.What does Romans 2:2 teach about God's impartiality in judgment?
4.How can we align our lives with God's truth as seen in Romans 2:2?
5.How does Romans 2:2 connect with Jesus' teachings on judgment in Matthew 7:1-2?
6.In what ways can Romans 2:2 guide our interactions with others daily?
7.How does Romans 2:2 define God's judgment as righteous?
8.What historical context influences the message of Romans 2:2?
9.How does Romans 2:2 challenge the concept of moral relativism?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 2?
11.What does the Bible say about God's wisdom?
12.How can Romans 2:1 claim we condemn ourselves when judging others, yet still hold people accountable for sin?
13.(Romans 3:7) If a lie can enhance God’s truth, why are we still held responsible for sin, and doesn’t this contradict free will?
14.In Job 36:5, how can God 'despise no one' if other scriptures depict His wrath and judgment against certain people?What Does Romans 2:2 Mean
And we knowPaul begins with a shared certainty. The phrase signals that what follows is not speculation but common ground among believers.
•Romans 1:32 reminds us that even those practicing sin “know full well” God’s righteous decree.
•1 John 3:14 shows believers “know” they have passed from death to life by love—knowledge anchored in God’s revelation, not human opinion.
This confidence invites us to stand on God-given facts rather than shifting cultural ideas.
that God’s judgmentThe focus shifts to the divine courtroom. Judgment belongs to God alone, not to human tribunals or shifting moral codes.
•Genesis 18:25—“Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” affirms His flawless justice.
•Acts 17:31 declares He “has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed,” pointing to Christ’s future role.
Because God’s verdicts are perfect, we cannot bend them to suit personal preferences.
against those who do such things“Such things” points back to the catalog of sins inRomans 1:29-31 and forward to the hypocrisy Paul exposes inRomans 2:3.
•Galatians 6:7 warns, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap.”
•James 2:10 shows that whoever “stumbles at one point” is guilty of breaking the whole law.
No one gets a pass—neither blatant rebels nor moralists who condemn others while practicing the same sins.
is based on truthGod’s judgment rests on absolute reality, not appearances, excuses, or shifting standards.
•Psalm 96:13 promises He “judges the peoples in His faithfulness.”
•John 17:17—“Your word is truth”—ties that standard directly to Scripture.
What God declares wrong is wrong, and His assessment pierces every mask. This exposes hypocrisy (Romans 2:1) and assures believers that evil will not ultimately prevail.
summaryRomans 2:2 assures us that God’s verdicts are certain, righteous, personal, and utterly truthful. We can trust His standards, repent of hidden sin, and rest in the justice that Christ will finally reveal.
(2)
We are sure.--St. Paul assumes that this will be acknowledged as a general principle by his readers, whether Jew or Gentile, as well as by himself. There is still a strong under-current of allusion to the way in which the Jew was apt to fall back upon his privileges. "Do not think that they will save you from standing before precisely the same tribunal as the Gentiles." The Jews, it seems, had an idea that the Gentiles only would be judged, while they would be able to claim admission into the Messianic kingdom as theirs by right of birth.
According to truth.--The principle on which God's judgment will proceed will be that of truth or reality, as opposed to appearance, worldly status, formal precedence, &c. It will ask what a manis, not to what race he belongs.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Andδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.we knowοἴδαμεν(oidamen)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.thatὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.God’sΘεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.judgmentκρίμα(krima)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2917:From krino; a decision ('crime').againstἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.those whoτοὺς(tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.doπράσσοντας(prassontas)Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4238:To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require.such thingsτοιαῦτα(toiauta)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5108:(including the other inflections); from toi and houtos; truly this, i.e. Of this sort (to denote character or individuality).isἐστιν(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.based onκατὰ(kata)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).truth.ἀλήθειαν(alētheian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 225:From alethes; truth.
Links
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NT Letters: Romans 2:2 We know that the judgment of God (Rom. Ro) 
