Paul, the doers of the law, and Gentiles: A study of Romans 2:12--16

This dissertation deals with the exegetical problem of Romans 2:12–16. The meaning of the “doing” of the law in Romans 2:12–16 has been debated especially in the rise of the New Perspective on Paul and Judaism. It is hard to understand the fact that Paul mentions the justification of “the doers of the law” (verses 12–13) and that he even further describes “Gentiles” as people who can do the law (verses 14–16).; After reviewing recent interpretations of Romans 2:12–16 in the first chapter, the second chapter investigates Paul's principle of divine impartiality in the wider context of Romans 1:16–4:25. Paul applies the principle of the divine impartiality strictly between Jews and Gentiles in Romans 1:16–4:25. Thus, according to Paul's principle of the divine impartiality, both Jews and Gentiles are all sinners. They all cannot be justified by observing the law but only by faith in Christ. There is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles. Because Paul applies the principle of divine impartiality in this manner, he would not have thought that “the doers of the law” (verses 12–13) and “Gentiles” (verses 14–16) can do the law and be saved.; In the exegetical study of Romans 2:12–13, some of those who support the theory of “covenantal nomism” contend that Romans 2:12–13 means that some can be justified by works. However, the third chapter demotes that Paul's statement should be understood not merely theologically but also rhetorically. At the surface level, it seems that Paul acknowledges that justification by works is possible. However, at the deeper level Paul rhetorically contends that if someone attempts to be saved by doing the law, he or she is required to do the law perfectly.; The fourth chapter demonstrates that in verses 14–16, Paul alludes neither the Gentiles who can do the law and be saved nor Gentile Christians who show genuine fulfillment of the law. Rather, Paul sets up the case of Gentiles who can successfully do the law, though only in part, to indict Jews. To defend my suggestion of the identity of the Gentiles, this chapter investigates Paul's argument on the law in verses 14–16. It is shown that the law in verses 14–16 is not Gentile Christians' law but Gentiles'. In the rhetorical sense, this “unregenerate Gentiles” interpretation coheres with the rhetorical understanding of Romans 2:13 and the divine impartiality in Romans 1:16–4:25.