In the second half of chapter 2 there is still more bad news to come before we reach the beginning of the good news in chapter 3. Having shown the reality of God's perfect judgement on everyone Paul now turns to answer the anticipated objections of his fellow Jews. Paul seems to be suggesting that Jews are in no better a position to Gentiles when it comes to being under God's wrath for sin. The Jews considered themselves exempt because of the special privileges they possessed. In the rest of chapter 2 Paul addresses these objections as he shows that all of their religious privileges only increased they accountability before the Lord. His overriding argument is that religion won't save you. What matters most is not outward profession and rituals but inward reality.
- The Hypocrisy of Profession without Practice
- The Futility of Ritual Without Regeneration