Judgment According to Works: Impartial and Inescapable
- Edward D. Andrews
- Jul 4
- 3 min read
Romans 2:5–11 – divine justice based on deeds, without favoritism
Paul’s theology of judgment sharply contrasts with the distorted views held by both pagans and Jews in his audience. While the Gentiles might assume ignorance grants immunity, and Jews might presume that possessing the Law guarantees protection, Paul declares in Romans 2:5–11 that God’s judgment is impartial, just, and based on works. It is not arbitrary, nor is it suspended by ethnic identity, religious privilege, or verbal profession. It is inescapable and will be administered without favoritism (προσωπολημψία, prosōpolēmpsia).
The Accumulation of Wrath
“But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.” (Romans 2:5, UASV)
The imagery is vivid: instead of storing up merit or favor, the unrepentant are accumulating divine wrath. The verb θησαυρίζεις (thēsaurizeis, “you are storing up”) connotes intentional hoarding. The “day of wrath” (ἡμέρα ὀργῆς) is future, eschatological, and definitive—a clear counterpart to present wrath in Romans 1. This judgment is not reactionary but measured, tied to “the revelation of the righteous judgment of God” (ἀποκαλύψεως δικαιοκρισίας τοῦ θεοῦ).
According to Deeds, Not Identity
“Who will render to each person according to his works.” (Romans 2:6, UASV)
This citation reflects Proverbs 24:12 and Psalm 62:12 (LXX 61:13) and forms a central principle in Paul’s understanding of final judgment: deeds, not mere claims, are the measure. The Greek verb ἀποδώσει (apodōsei, “will repay”) is a future indicative, asserting divine certainty.
Paul is not teaching justification by works. Rather, he affirms that works reveal the condition of the heart. Obedience evidences faith (cf. Romans 1:5), and judgment is based on what has been done, not what has been professed.
Two Paths, Two Outcomes
“To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory and honor and incorruptibility, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and disobey the truth... wrath and fury.” (Romans 2:7–8, UASV)
Paul sets forth two categories of persons:
The first group: those who persist (καθ’ ὑπομονὴν) in doing good, not for self-glory, but in pursuit of glory, honor, and ἀφθαρσία (aphtharsia, “incorruptibility”). These terms reflect resurrection hope, not earthly reward (cf. Romans 8:18–23).
The second group: characterized by ἐξ ἐριθείας (ex eritheias, “self-seeking ambition”) and refusal to obey the truth, instead obeying ἀδικία (adikia, “unrighteousness”). Their destiny is wrath and fury (ὀργὴ καὶ θυμός), intensifying the certainty and severity of divine justice.
No Partiality with God
“There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil... but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good... For there is no partiality with God.” (Romans 2:9–11, UASV)
The repeated structure—first Jew, then Greek—reverses Jewish expectation. Rather than granting immunity to the Jew, Paul insists that judgment begins with privilege (cf. 1 Peter 4:17). If the Jew received the Law first, he is also first accountable.
The climactic declaration in verse 11—οὐ γάρ ἐστιν προσωπολημψία παρὰ τῷ θεῷ (“for there is no partiality with God”)—anchors Paul’s doctrine of justice. God does not judge based on race, ritual, or reputation. His standard is universal, and his verdict is based on what people do in response to revealed truth—whether that truth comes through nature, conscience, or Torah.
Theological Implications
Paul’s argument dismantles presumption:
It rejects religious privilege as a shield from judgment.
It exposes moral performance as a test of authenticity, not merit.
It affirms universal moral accountability, rooted in God’s justice, not culture.
This passage anticipates Romans 3:20, where Paul will clarify that no one will be justified by works of the Law. Here, however, his point is eschatological equity: God will judge justly, and no human identity will suffice in the face of truth-rejecting behavior.
Paul upholds a view of judgment that is relationally covenantal, morally coherent, and utterly impartial. It is both fearful in certainty and glorious in equity—a demonstration of Jehovah’s unwavering righteousness.
About the Author
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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