The Jews mistakenly believed themselves to be guides for the (spiritually) blind, etc.
because they had been given Gods Law (through Moses)
What they failed to recognize is that it is not by hearing the Law that one
becomes acceptable in Gods sight, but by (perfectly) keeping the Law.
Paul exposes the sinfulness of the Jews and their failure to keep the Law by asking a series
of questions designed to show that
the Jews committed the same sins for which they condemned the Gentiles!
Paul begins by asking: You, then, who teach others, do you not
teach yourself? (Romans 2:21). In other words, if they taught others to obey the Law, why
did they not teach themselves to obey the Law?
Paul then cites a number of specific sins:
That the Jews had condemned in the Gentiles
But that the Jews were guilty of themselves!
The specific sins that Paul cites are:
Stealing (Romans
Adultery (Romans
Robbing (Heathen)
Paul then asks: You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God
by breaking the law? (Romans 2:23). In other words, if they thought that receiving the Law showed that
they had Gods favor, why did they turn around and dishonor God by breaking His Law?
Paul then points out that the Old Testament records (in Isaiah 52:5 and
Ezekiel 36:22) occasions where, because of the Jews sinful behavior, the Gentiles blasphemed (spoke evil of) God!