John Calvin Commentary Romans 2:16

"in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ." — Romans 2:16 (ASV)

In which God shall judge the secrets of men. This indirect definition of judgment is most suitable to the present occasion. It teaches those who willfully hide themselves in the depths of spiritual insensitivity that their most secret thoughts, those now completely hidden in the depths of their hearts, will then be brought out into the light.

He speaks similarly elsewhere; to show the Corinthians how little value human judgment has, which considers only outward actions, he tells them to wait until the Lord comes, who would bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the secrets of the heart (1 Corinthians 4:5). When we hear this, let us remember that we are warned that if we wish to be truly approved by our Judge, we must strive for sincerity of heart.

He adds, according to my gospel, implying that he announced a doctrine to which the judgments naturally implanted in men responded. He calls it his gospel because of the ministry, for the authority to present the gospel resides in the true God alone, and only its stewardship was entrusted to the Apostles.

It is indeed not surprising that the gospel is, in part, called the messenger and announcer of future judgment. For if the fulfillment and completion of what it promises is deferred until the full revelation of the heavenly kingdom, it must necessarily be connected with the last judgment. Furthermore, Christ cannot be preached without being a resurrection to some and a destruction to others, and both these things refer to the day of judgment.

The words, through Jesus Christ, I apply to the day of judgment, though some regard them differently. The meaning is that the Lord will execute judgment by Christ—for He has been appointed by the Father as the Judge of the living and the dead—which the Apostles always mention among the main articles of the gospel. Thus the statement will be full and complete, which would otherwise be incomplete.