Bible Study on Romans Session 7

Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans;

A Bible Study Based upon the Homilies of St John Chrysostom (SJC)

Study Guide – October 30, 2018 – Romans 2.17-3.8 – Homily 6

Prayer before reading of the Holy Scriptures: Shine within our hearts, loving Master, the pure light of Your divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our minds that we may comprehend the message of Your Gospel. Instill in us also reverence for Your blessed commandments so that, having conquered sinful desires, we may pursue a spiritual life, thinking and doing all those things which are pleasing to You. For You, Christ our God, are the light of our souls and bodies, and to You we give glory, together with Your Father who is without beginning and Your all holy, good and life giving Spirit, always now and forever and to the ages of ages.

Chapter 2, Verses 17-24

  • Paul is mocking their arrogance; they looked down on everyone
  • It is a disadvantage if knowledge is not followed by deeds
  • Paul speaks gently (again) to keep his audience. SJC “For he did not say, ‘Surely on this account you deserve a greater punishment, because when you were untrusted with such important matters, you did not use any of them as you should have.’ Rather Paul continues his discourse in the form of a question.” (Pg 95, #6)
  • Jewish advantage was a gift from God, but they had no benefit because they ignored the gift. SJC “The teaching itself of the law will not be able to protect the teacher if he does not fulfill in act what he teaches.” (Pg. 96, #7)
  • Three charges against the Jews
    • The Jews dishonor
    • The Jews dishonored that by which they were honored (the law)
    • The Jews dishonored Him who honored them
  • It is even worse when we cause others to speak poorly of the Church. (see v.24)

Chapter 2, Verses 25-29

  • Paul is being very prudent. SJC “See how he brought in the mention of circumcision at an opportune time. He did not begin with it right oif, when there was considerable public opinion in favor of it. But he had shown that the Jews had offended God in a more grievous way and had been the cause of blasphemy against God. Therefore, he then had an audience that had already condemned them. Because he had stripped them of their position of dignity and because he felt confident that no one would cast a vote in their favor, he introduces his discussion on circumcision.” (Pg. 98, #16)
  • Circumcision can be despised if it is betrayal, not because of circumcision but because it is “followed badly.”
  • There are three laws
    • Law of nature
    • Written law
    • Law shown through deeds (this is required for other two to matter)
  • SJC “He says, ‘When the Gentiles, who have no law.’ Tell me, what law does he mean? he means the written law. ‘Do by nature what the law prescribes.’ Of what law does he speak here? “Those who have no law.’ What law is that? The written law. ‘They are a law unto themselves.’ How? By making use of their nature and its laws. ‘Of what law? The law that is shown through deeds. The law that is written in letters lies outside; the law that lies within comes from nature; and the third is shown in deeds. Letters dictate the first, nature dictates the second, and deeds dictate the third.” (Pg. 99, #21)
  • There are two circumcisions
    • Of the flesh
    • Of the mind
  • Circumcision is only profitable if you follow the law (look ahead to Romans 11.19-21)SJC “Circumcision is a good deed and uncircumcision is an evil one.” (Pg. 100, #25)
  • Clarification: SJC “Paul does not dishonor the law; indeed he has great reverence for it. Rather, he dishonors the man who brings disgrace upon the law.” (Pg. 101, #29)

Chapter 3, Verses 1-8

  • Praises are not due to people since the blessing came from God, and they betrayed it.
  • SJC “God considered them so deserving that He entrusted to them the oracles that were brought down from heaven.” (Pg. 104, #39)
  • Lack of belief does not affect God. SJC “Their unbelief not only fails to inflict a complaint on God, but even shows that God’s honor and loving-kindness are greater, because He is certainly honoring one who is going to dishonor Him.” (Pg. 105, #43)
  • God is justified in His judgment – God blesses the Jews but Jews dishonor God
  • Thinking more evil will bring more good is absurd. SJC “Absurdity that is circulated among many, namely, that good comes from evil and that evil is the cause of good. Then one of these two must follow: either that God is unjust in punishing us; or that if He does not punish us, it is from our evil deeds that God gains the victory.” (Pg. 106, #50)

Life Application – Let us not be idle and unconcerned

  • Our deeds must match our words – “When we express our love of wisdom in our words but act shamelessly in our deeds, with what expression in our eyes will we look at them? With what sort of tongues will we discuss doctrines with them? For the Greek will say to each of us, ‘You have failed to carry out God’s commands in a lesser matter. How do you consider yourself worthy to teach me in a matter of greater importance? You who have not yet learned that avarice and greed are evils, how can you speak with wisdom about the things in heaven?”  (Pg 108, #55-56)
  • Our sin should be enough to keep us silent – “Therefore, neither is it lawful for us to speak boldly and freely even if we have a mouth and tongue, which are the harps and instruments of speech, as long as we are slaves to sin. For sin is more tyrannical than any barbarian.” (Pg 109, #58)
  • Committing sin is akin to worshipping idols – “For it is not the same thing for one who is a Greek to worship idols and for one who is a Christian to commit the same sin. how will we be able to lead others away from worshipping idols if we do not lead ourselves away from the same thing? For we are closer to ourselves than to our neighbors. Therefore, when we do not persuade ourselves, how will we persuade others?” (Pg 109, #59)
  • There are many types of idolatry – “One looks on wealth as his lord, another makes his belly his god, still another makes a god of some other most grievous lust. But do you not sacrifice oxen to them as the Greeks do? What is far more grievous, you slaughter your own soul for these. You do not bend your knee and worship them? But with greater obedience you do everything that your belly and gold and the tyranny of lust command you.” (Pg. 109, #60)

Send-Off – Flee from all forms of avarice“I further urge you to flee not only from the avarice that has to do with money and possessions, but also from that avarice that shows itself in evil lust and clothing and at the table and in all things. For we shall pay a much more grievous penalty if we fail to heed the laws of the Lord. Jesus said, ‘For the servant who knew the will of his Lord and did not do it will receive many blows.’ (Luke 12:47)” (Pg 110, #62)