Romans 2:6-11

⁶ “who will repay each person according to his deeds: ⁷ to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life; ⁸ but to those who are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, He will give wrath and indignation. ⁹ There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of mankind who does evil, for the Jew first and also for the Greek, ¹⁰ but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who does what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ¹¹ For there is no partiality with God.”

Verse 6: Paul highlights the principle of divine justice. He states that God will repay each person according to their actions. This may initially seem to suggest that salvation is based on our own works or merits. However, it is crucial to understand the broader context of Paul’s message in Romans. The law cannot save anyone. Paul consistently states that the law reveals the depth of humanity’s sin that we may find God’s grace in Christ. Once we have believed, there is no condemnation or judgment from God.

Verse 7: Paul clarifies that eternal life is not earned through our own efforts or good works. Rather, it is received by those who, through persistence in doing good, seek glory, honor, and immortality. This persistence in doing good is not a means of achieving salvation, but rather a reflection of a transformed heart and a life lived in response to God’s grace.

Verse 8: Paul contrasts the previous verse by highlighting the consequences for those who are self-seeking, reject the truth, and follow evil. He states that they will experience God’s wrath and anger. This serves as a reminder that a life lived in opposition to God’s truth and in pursuit of selfish desires leads to separation from him and the consequences of sin.

Verse 9: Paul emphasizes that the consequences of evil actions apply to all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity. Both Jews and Gentiles are subject to trouble and distress when they engage in evil. This highlights the impartiality of God’s judgment and the universal need for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Verse 10: In contrast to the previous verse, Paul states that glory, honor, and peace are available to everyone who does good. Again, it is important to understand that these good works are not a means of earning salvation, but rather a reflection of a transformed heart and a life lived in response to God’s grace. This applies to both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing the inclusive nature of God’s salvation.

Verse 11: Paul concludes this passage by emphasizing that God does not show favoritism. His judgment is based on truth and righteousness, without partiality. This reinforces the idea that salvation is available to all who believe, regardless of their background or ethnicity.