Romans 2:10
but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The list of rewards—glory, honor, and peace—isn't just about escaping punishment, but about receiving a positive inheritance, highlighting that God's justice ultimately brings life and blessing to those who truly pursue good. Notice how "peace" here completes the picture, directly opposing the "tribulation and anguish" mentioned earlier as part of God's wrath, showing the fullness of what God provides.
Paul is contrasting God's future judgment on those who do evil with the reward for those who do good. He's been arguing that simply being a Jew doesn't guarantee favor with God, because many Jews act just as immorally as Gentiles. Now, he pivots to show that God's ultimate judgment isn't based on ethnicity but on actions, offering glory and peace to everyone who lives righteously, starting with the Jews but including Gentiles too.
What does God promise to those who do good? It's more than just a pat on the back – it's a trifecta of divine affirmation.
Paul lays out a glorious promise here: 'glory and honor and peace'. These aren't just fleeting feelings, but profound states of being that reflect God's ultimate pleasure and approval.
Paul mentions 'the Jew first, and also the Greek.' Does this mean God plays favorites? Absolutely not. Let's unpack what this really means.
The phrase 'to the Jew first, and also the Greek' might sound like a hierarchy, but the crucial context is immediately provided: 'for there is no respect of persons with God.'
This means God’s judgment and His rewards are not based on ethnicity, social status, or background. The mention of 'the Jew first' refers to their historical position as God's chosen people, receiving the Law and the initial covenant promises. Their actions would be judged against that privileged knowledge.
However, the promise extends to 'also the Greek' – referring to the Gentiles. This powerfully declares that both groups, and indeed all people, stand on equal footing at God’s judgment seat. What matters is the action: 'everyone who does good.' God’s justice is impartial; His grace is available to all who turn to Him.
Understand the original words
eirēnē · Greek Noun
The biblical Hebrew concept of wholeness, completeness, harmony, and prosperity, resulting from being in a right relationship with God.
This verse highlights the breaking down of distinctions between Jew and Greek in Christ, echoing the idea that God's favor is not exclusive to one group, but available to all who believe.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's realization that God shows no favoritism and accepts anyone who fears Him and does what is right directly supports the concept that good deeds are valued by God regardless of ethnicity, as stated in Romans 2:10.
1 Peter 1:7This passage speaks of the testing of faith through suffering, which results in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ, paralleling the 'glory, honor, and peace' promised to those who do good.
Matthew 25:34-40Jesus describes the final judgment where eternal life is given to those who showed kindness and compassion to others, emphasizing that acts of goodness, whether recognized or not, are seen and rewarded by God.
Revelation 7:9-10This vision of heaven includes a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, all in white robes and giving praise to God, illustrating the universal reception of His salvation and glory for those who have done good.
pulpitRomans 2:10: "But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:"
Verses 10, 11. - But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile (literally, Greek, as before): for there is no respect of persons with God (cf. Acts 10:34). This, with what follows, is important, as bringing out in a striking way the clear doctrine of the New Testament that the Jews had no monopoly of Divine favour with…
bengelRomans 2:10: "But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:"
Romans 2:10 . Δόξα δἐ καὶ τιμὴ , but glory and honour. Glory , originating in the Divine good pleasure; honour , originating in the reward bestowed by God; and peace , for the present and for ever. For the δὲ , but , expresses the opposition between wrath , and glory; indignation , and honour; affliction and anxiety [ tribulation and anguish ], and peace . Comp. ch. Romans 3:1…
The list of rewards—glory, honor, and peace—isn't just about escaping punishment, but about receiving a positive inheritance, highlighting that God's justice ultimately brings life and blessing to those who truly pursue good. Notice how "peace" here completes the picture, directly opposing the "tribulation and anguish" mentioned earlier as part of God's wrath, showing the fullness of what God provides.
Paul is contrasting God's future judgment on those who do evil with the reward for those who do good. He's been arguing that simply being a Jew doesn't guarantee favor with God, because many Jews act just as immorally as Gentiles. Now, he pivots to show that God's ultimate judgment isn't based on ethnicity but on actions, offering glory and peace to everyone who lives righteously, starting with the Jews but including Gentiles too.
Paul is contrasting God's future judgment on those who do evil with the reward for those who do good. He's been arguing that simply being a Jew doesn't guarantee favor with God, because many Jews act just as immorally as Gentiles. Now, he pivots to show that God's ultimate judgment isn't based on ethnicity but on actions, offering glory and peace to who lives righteously, starting with the Jews but including Gentiles too.
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"but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek." — The list of rewards—glory, honor, and peace—isn't just about escaping punishment, but about receiving a positive inheritance, highlighting that God's justice ultimately brings life and blessing to th…
