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1
An Ironic Portrait
Commentators explain that Paul is not genuinely praising the Jewish people here. Instead, he uses what scholars call "razor-sharp irony" by listing the very titles they proudly used for themselves—like "corrector of the foolish" and "teacher of babes"—to describe their relationship with Gentiles. This builds up their self-image before Paul reveals their deep hypocrisy in the following verses.
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Romans
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On Romans 2:20
18th Century
Theologian
Of the foolish. The word foolish is used in the Scriptures in two meanings—to denote those who are lacking understanding, and to denote th…
AT Robertson
On Romans 2:20
A corrector of the foolish (παιδευτην αφρονων). Old word (from παιδευω) for instructor, in Plato, and probably so here, though cor…
Charles Ellicott
On Romans 2:20
19th Century
Bishop
The form of knowledge and of the truth.—As we might say, “the presentation of knowledge and of truth.” Here not form as opposed to substan…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Romans 2:20
Paul now begins to dialogue with a representative Jew, and his razorsharp irony is superb for its deftness. He first builds up the Jew, citing his …
John Calvin
On Romans 2:20
16th Century
Theologian
I take what follows, having the form of knowledge, as a reason for the preceding. It may be explained in this way: “because you have t…
John Gill
On Romans 2:20
17th Century
Pastor
An instructor of the foolish
All men in a state of unregeneracy are foolish, and need instruction; here the common p…
Matthew Henry
On Romans 2:17–24
17th Century
Minister
The apostle addresses the Jews and reveals what sins they were guilty of, despite their profession and empty claims.
A believing, humble, th…