Romans 2:17-20

Romans 2:17-20

[17] thou  art called  a Jew,  and  restest  in the law,  and  makest thy boast  of  God,  [18] And  knowest  his will,  and  approvest  the things that are more excellent,  being instructed  out of  the law;  [19] And  art confident  that thou thyself  a guide  of the blind,  a light  of them which are in  darkness,  [20] An instructor  of the foolish,  a teacher  of babes,  which hast  the form  of knowledge  and  of the truth  in  the law. 

What does Romans 2:17-20 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Paul had been speaking of Jews, included in the larger category of "good people," in Romans 2:1-16, but now he identified them by name. The Jews were very self-righteous. Paul explained the basis of their boasting in these verses.
The name "Jew" contrasts with "Greek" and calls attention to nationality. [1] The Jews gloried in being members of God"s chosen nation (cf. Exodus 19:5-6). They relied on the Mosaic Law because God Himself had given it to Moses on Mt. Sinai. They boasted in their knowledge of God that they obtained through that covenant. They had a relatively precise understanding of what is more and less important to God (cf. Philippians 1:10). They looked down on non-Jews as those whom they guided even though, as Paul pointed out earlier, the Gentiles have some light and law themselves.
"The Jew believed that everyone was destined for judgment except himself. It would not be any special goodness which kept him immune from the wrath of God, but simply the fact that he was a Jew." [2]
In these verses Paul first referred to God"s gifts to the Jews ( Romans 2:17) and then to the superior capabilities these gifts conferred on them ( Romans 2:18). Finally he mentioned the role the Jews somewhat pretentiously gloried in playing. God had called them to enlighten the Gentiles with these gifts and capabilities ( Romans 2:19-20). [3]