GodThe term "God" here refers to the monotheistic deity central to Christian belief, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. In the context of Romans, Paul is addressing both Jewish and Gentile audiences, emphasizing that God is impartial and sovereign over all humanity. This aligns with the Old Testament understanding of God as a just and righteous judge, as seen in passages like
Deuteronomy 32:4 and
Psalm 9:8.
“will repay”
The concept of God repaying individuals is rooted in the biblical principle of divine justice. This phrase echoes the Old Testament, particularlyProverbs 24:12 andPsalm 62:12, which affirm that God will render to each person according to their actions. It underscores the certainty of divine judgment and accountability, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. The future tense indicates an eschatological perspective, pointing to the final judgment.
each one
This phrase emphasizes the universality of God's judgment. It includes every individual, regardless of ethnicity, social status, or religious background. In the context of Romans, Paul is addressing both Jews and Gentiles, making it clear that all are subject to God's righteous judgment. This reflects the biblical teaching that God shows no partiality, as seen inActs 10:34-35.
according to his deeds.”
The focus on "deeds" highlights the biblical principle that actions are a reflection of one's faith and character. While salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), deeds are evidence of genuine faith (James 2:14-26). This phrase connects to the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects God's righteousness and justice. It also serves as a warning against hypocrisy, as seen in Jesus' teachings inMatthew 7:21-23.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul is writing to the believers in Rome, addressing both Jewish and Gentile Christians.
2.
The Roman ChurchThe recipients of the letter, consisting of a diverse group of believers in Rome, facing issues of unity and understanding of the Gospel.
3.
GodThe ultimate judge who will repay each person according to their deeds, emphasizing His justice and righteousness.
4.
Judgment DayThe future event when God will judge all people, rewarding or punishing them based on their actions.
5.
DeedsThe actions and behaviors of individuals, which are the basis for God's judgment as mentioned in this verse.
Teaching Points
God's Justice is PerfectGod's judgment is based on His perfect knowledge and justice. He sees beyond outward appearances and knows the true nature of our deeds.
Deeds Reflect FaithWhile salvation is by faith, our deeds are evidence of our faith. True faith will naturally produce good works.
AccountabilityWe are accountable to God for our actions. This should encourage us to live righteously and in accordance with His will.
Eternal PerspectiveUnderstanding that our deeds have eternal consequences should motivate us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing what truly matters.
Grace and WorksWhile we are saved by grace, not by works, our works are a response to God's grace and a demonstration of our transformed lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Romans 2:6?
2.How does Romans 2:6 emphasize God's justice in rewarding or punishing actions?
3.What actions might lead to receiving "according to his deeds" in Romans 2:6?
4.How does Romans 2:6 connect with James 2:17 on faith and works?
5.How can believers ensure their deeds align with God's standards in Romans 2:6?
6.What role does repentance play in receiving a positive judgment in Romans 2:6?
7.How does Romans 2:6 align with the concept of salvation by faith alone?
8.Does Romans 2:6 suggest that works are necessary for salvation?
9.How do historical interpretations of Romans 2:6 differ among theologians?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 2?
11.What does 'God is just' mean?
12.How can the harsh judgment on the servant in Matthew 25:24–30 be reconciled with a supposedly just and merciful God?
13.Does Romans 2:7 advocate for salvation through works?
14.Is God unjust to forget?What Does Romans 2:6 Mean
God• The verse begins by naming the One who judges: “God.” This reminds us that ultimate justice rests in His hands, not ours (Genesis 18:25;Psalm 62:12).
• Scripture consistently portrays Him as perfectly righteous and all-knowing, so His verdicts are never mistaken (Deuteronomy 32:4).
• Because God alone is holy, He alone has the authority to evaluate every life (Ecclesiastes 12:14).
will repay• “Will repay” speaks of certain, future action. No deed escapes His notice (Hebrews 4:13).
• Justice is not an abstract concept; God personally settles every account (Proverbs 24:12;Revelation 22:12).
• This repayment is measured, not arbitrary, aligning precisely with what has been done (Galatians 6:7-8).
each one• The scope is universal—no one is excluded (Romans 2:11;Acts 10:34-35).
• Whether Jew or Gentile, believer or unbeliever, every person stands individually before God (2 Corinthians 5:10).
• Earthly status, culture, or heritage offers no special exemption when divine judgment is rendered.
according to his deeds• Deeds reveal the true condition of the heart (Matthew 7:17-20).
• While salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), genuine faith produces visible obedience (Ephesians 2:10;James 2:17-18).
• On the day of judgment, works will demonstrate whether a life was rooted in repentance and trust in Christ (John 15:5;Matthew 16:27).
• Those whose deeds spring from Spirit-wrought faith receive eternal life; those whose deeds reflect unrepentant self-seeking face wrath (Romans 2:7-8).
summaryRomans 2:6 declares that the righteous God guarantees a future reckoning where every individual receives a just response to the life he or she has lived. This certainty calls believers to persevere in Spirit-empowered obedience and warns unbelievers that divine justice will not be delayed forever.
(6)
According to his deeds.--The Apostle here lays down with unmistakable definiteness and precision the doctrine that
works, what a man has
done, the moral tenor of his life, will be the standard by which he will be judged at the last day. There can be no question that this is the consistent doctrine of Scripture. (Comp.
Matthew 16:27;
Matthew 25:31et seq.;2Corinthians 5:10;
Galatians 6:7et seq.;Ephesians 6:8;
Colossians 3:24;
Revelation 2:23;
Revelation 20:12;
Revelation 22:12.) How is this to be reconciled with the main theme of the Epistle, the doctrine of justification by
faith? . . .
Verse 6. -
Who will render to every man according to his works. This assertion is no contradiction of the main portion of the Epistle as it proceeds, as to justification being not of works; the phrase here being, not on
account of his works, but
according to them. "Nequaquam tamen quid valeant, sed quid illis debeatur pretii pronunciat" (Calvin). The
ground of justification is not here involved. All that is asserted is what is essential to any true conception of God's justice, viz. that he has regard to
what men are in assigning reward or punishment; it is what is given in
Hebrews 11:6 as a first principle of faith about God, "that he is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek him." It is further evident from
ἑκάστῳ, and still more from all that follows, that all such will be so rewarded, whether before Christ or after his coming, whether knowing him or not knowing him. Nor is the inclusion of the latter inconsistent with the doctrine that salvation is through Christ alone. For the effect of his atonement is represented as retrospective as well as prospective, and as availing virtually for all mankind (cf.
Romans 3:25;
Romans 5:15, 18, 20). Hence the narrow doctrine of some divines, who would confine the possibility of salvation to those who have had in some way during life a conscious faith in the atonement, is evidently not the doctrine of St. Paul.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
[God]ὃς(hos)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.“will repayἈποδώσει(Apodōsei)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 591:From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc.each oneἑκάστῳ(hekastō)Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1538:Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.according toκατὰ(kata)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.deeds.”ἔργα(erga)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041:From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.
Links
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NT Letters: Romans 2:6 Who will pay back to everyone according (Rom. Ro) 
