Meaning to pass judgment, to criticize. So in subsequent verses.

Referring to God's eternal judgment, which will be carried out mainly at the great white throne, as revealed in Rev. 20:11-15. See note Rom. 14:10^1a.

Truth here and in vv. 8, 20 denotes the reality revealed through the creation and through the Bible concerning God, the universe, man, the relationship between man and God, the relationships among men, and man's obligation to God. It also refers to the actual situation and condition of man, and it may be the terms of God's judgment upon man, as indicated in vv. 6-15. According to these terms God will execute His judgment righteously.

See note Rom. 2:2¹. So in vv. 5, 16.

Verses Rom. 2:7-10 give the basic terms of God's eternal judgment.

See note Rom. 2:2².

Lit., in law; i.e., in the sphere of law.

The nature of man, as created by God, was originally good and corresponded with God and with His law. Although it was poisoned by the fall, this good nature remains within man. Hence, if anyone lives according to his nature and does by his nature the things of the law, the evil in him will be restricted.

Man's conscience corresponds with the God-created human nature and enables man to know what God justifies and what He condemns.

In this section, which specifically deals with God's condemnation on the religious, Paul first points out the pitiful condition of the Jews, who represent the religious people. They have only the vanity of their religious rituals, letters, and knowledge; they do not have God as their reality.

In the Jewish religion God is known only outwardly and objectively, not inwardly and subjectively. This shows the vanity of human religion.

Or, prove the things that differ.

The same Greek word as for little children in Eph. 4:14 and child in Gal. 4:1.

That the religious people practice the same evils as the unreligious exposes the vanity of their religion. See note Rom. 2:17¹.

Or, requirements.

Lit., For the Jew in what is manifest is not a Jew; neither is the circumcision in what is manifest in the flesh circumcision.

Any religious practice, such as circumcision, that is merely an outward form is not real. See note Rom. 2:17¹.

Lit., But the Jew in what is hidden is a Jew.

I.e., based on. Whatever we are, whatever we do, and whatever we have must be in spirit. This will keep us from the vanity of religion. See note Rom. 1:9². The reality of all spiritual things depends on the Spirit of God, and the Spirit of God is in our spirit. Hence, the reality of all spiritual matters depends on our spirit, not on anything apart from our spirit. Whatever is in us is vanity unless it is in our spirit. Everything that God is to us is in our spirit.

Lit., out of.