Romans 2:15
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So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing--that is, perhaps by turns doing both.
Open source ↗The scope of the first two chapters of this epistle may be gathered from Rom 3:9, "We have before proved both Jews and Gentiles that they are all under sin." This we have proved upon the Gentiles (ch. 1), now in this chapter he proves it upon the Jews, as appears by Rom 2:17, "thou art called a Jew." I. He proves in general that Jews and Gentiles stand upon the same level before the justice of God, to Rom 2:11. II. He shows more particularly what sins the Jews were guilty of, notwithstanding their profession and vain pretensions (Rom 2:17 to the end).
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.
To the pure, all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Indeed, both their minds and their consciences are defiled.
And this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.
I will cling to my righteousness and never let go. As long as I live, my conscience will not accuse me.
I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit.
influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.
The king also said, “You know in your heart all the evil that you did to my father David. Therefore the LORD will bring your evil back upon your head.
In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.
For you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
Didn’t Abraham tell me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ I have done this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands.”