Romans 2:13–25

¹³For it is not by hearing the Law that people are put right with God, but by doing what the Law commands. ¹⁴The Gentiles do not have the Law; but whenever they do by instinct what the Law commands, they are their own law, even though they do not have the Law. ¹⁵Their conduct shows that what the Law commands is written in their hearts. Their consciences also show that this is true, since their thoughts sometimes accuse them and sometimes defend them. ¹⁶And so, according to the Good News I preach, this is how it will be on that Day when God through Jesus Christ will judge the secret thoughts of all.

The Jews and the Law

¹⁷What about you? You call yourself a Jew; you depend on the Law and boast about God; ¹⁸you know what God wants you to do, and you have learnt from the Law to choose what is right; ¹⁹you are sure that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in darkness, ²⁰an instructor for the foolish, and a teacher for the ignorant. You are certain that in the Law you have the full content of knowledge and of truth. ²¹You teach others—why don’t you teach yourself? You preach, “Do not steal”—but do you yourself steal? ²²You say, “Do not commit adultery”—but do you commit adultery? You detest idols—but do you rob temples? ²³You boast about having God’s law—but do you bring shame on God by breaking his law? ^24*The scripture says, “Because of you Jews, the Gentiles speak evil of God.”

²⁵If you obey the Law, your circumcision is of value; but if you disobey the Law, you might as well never have been circumcised.