Is Paul Addressing Jews in Romans 2:1? 

•        There is no explicit indication prior to Romans 2:17 that Paul has the Jews in mind.

 

•        But there are good reasons for thinking that Paul had the Jews in mind starting in verse 1 of chapter 2  -

–       Throughout this section of the Roman letter, Paul seems to address himself to only two groups of people: Jews and Gentiles

•         Romans 1:16, 2:9, 2:10  - “. . .  first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”

•         Romans 3:9  - “What shall we conclude then? Are we [Jews] any better [than the Gentiles]? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.”

–       The attitude of moral superiority described in this passage (2:1ff.) is much like the attitude that the Jews had toward the Gentiles (as indicated in verses 18ff.)

–       The way in which the name “Jew” is introduced in verse 17 does not suggest that Paul is turning his attention to a different group of people:

•         2:1 You, therefore, have no excuse . . .

•         2:3 So when you, a mere man . . .

•         2:4 Or do you show contempt . . .

•         2:17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew . . .