Romans, 2
26. Again, if an uncircumcised man keeps the precepts of the law, will he not be considered circumcised?
26. Again, if an uncircumcised man keeps the precepts of the law, will he not be considered circumcised?
Romans 2 addresses the hypocrisy of the Jews who condemn the Gentiles for their sins, while they themselves make the same mistakes. Paul argues that all are guilty before God and that God's righteousness makes no distinction between Jews and Gentiles. It also emphasizes the need for an inner change, not just following the law externally. Based on these themes, the five related verses are:
Matthew 7:1-2: "Do not judge, that you will not be judged. For with the criterion with which you judge, you will be judged; and as you have measured you will measuring you too." This verse talks about the hypocrisy of judgment and how we can be judged in the same way as we judge others. This relates to the condemnation of the Jews to the Gentiles in Romans 2.
Galatians 3:28: "There is no Jewish or Greek; there is no slave or free; there is no man or woman; for all you are one in Christ Jesus." This verse talks about unity in Christ and the lack of distinction between different groups of people. This relates to Paul's statement in Romans 2 that God's righteousness makes no distinction between Jews and Gentiles.
James 1:22: "But thirst for the word, not just listeners, deceiving yourselves." This verse highlights the importance of acting according to God's Word instead of just hearing it. This relates to Paul's emphasis on Romans 2 that inner change is necessary, not just external compliance with the law.
1 Corinthians 4:5: "Therefore, do not judge before time, until the Lord comes, who will not only bring to light the hidden things of darkness, but will also manifest the designs of hearts; and then each one will receive from God the God praise that is due to you. " This verse talks about God's righteousness and how it will reveal the true intention of hearts. This relates to Paul's emphasis on Romans 2 that God's righteousness is not based on external distinctions, but the true intention of the heart.
Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you are saved, through faith, and this does not come from you, it is the gift of God; it does not come from the works, so that no one can glorious." This verse talks about salvation by grace, not for works. This relates to Paul's statement in Romans 2 that God's righteousness is not achieved by external compliance with the law, but by inner change and faith in Christ.
“Caminhe com alegria e com o coração o mais sincero e aberto que puder. E quando não conseguir manter esta santa alegria, ao menos não perca nunca o valor e a confiança em Deus.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
