Romans 2:20 – “an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth-“
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Paul continues addressing the Jews who prided themselves on having God’s law. They saw themselves as teachers of those who were spiritually ignorant, including both Gentiles and fellow Jews who were less educated in the law. They believed that possessing the law made them wise and gave them the authority to instruct others.
However, Paul is not praising them here. Instead, he is pointing out their false confidence. They had the law, which contained true knowledge, but they were not applying it in their own lives. They assumed that knowing the law made them righteous, yet they failed to live in obedience to it. Paul is preparing to show that their knowledge alone is not enough to make them right with God.
Historical Context
At the time Paul was writing, Jewish teachers and leaders took great pride in their role as instructors of God’s law. They believed that their knowledge set them apart from the rest of the world. In Jewish tradition, those who did not have the law-especially Gentiles-were often seen as foolish or immature in their understanding of God.
The phrase “teacher of little children” was often used to describe someone who guided those who were unlearned. Many Jewish leaders thought of themselves as spiritually mature, helping those who were less knowledgeable. But Paul’s point is clear: having the law and teaching it to others does not guarantee that a person is actually living by it. He is setting up the argument that true righteousness is not about possessing the law but about obeying it.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights a common human problem-thinking that knowledge alone is enough. Many of the Jews Paul was addressing believed that because they had the law, they were spiritually superior. But Paul is showing that knowledge of God’s commands is only part of the picture. True faith requires obedience and transformation.
This truth applies to all people, not just the Jews of Paul’s day. Many religious people today assume that because they read the Bible, go to church, or teach others about God, they are automatically in good standing with Him. But Paul reminds us that it’s not enough to have knowledge-we must put it into action.
Literary Analysis
Paul uses strong imagery to expose the arrogance of those who assume they are spiritual guides. The phrase “instructor of the foolish” and “teacher of little children” reflects a condescending attitude that some Jewish leaders had toward others. He contrasts their claim to wisdom with their failure to practice what they teach.
Paul also emphasizes that the law is indeed a source of “knowledge and truth,” but he will soon show that just knowing the truth is not enough. His argument is leading up to a major conclusion: both Jews and Gentiles are guilty before God and need His grace.
Biblical Cross-References
- James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
- Matthew 23:2-3 – “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.”
- Romans 3:10-11 – “As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.’”
- 1 Corinthians 8:1 – “We know that ‘We all possess knowledge.’ But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a strong warning against spiritual pride. Just because someone knows the Bible well or teaches others does not mean they are truly living for God. Christianity is not just about gaining knowledge but about allowing that knowledge to change us.
Many people today fall into the same trap as those Paul was addressing. They may feel spiritually secure because they have grown up in church, know Scripture, or even teach others. But Paul reminds us that what matters most is obedience and a transformed heart.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God, in His love, has given us His Word so we can know the truth. But His desire is not for us to simply store up knowledge-it’s for us to live in relationship with Him. A loving God does not want empty religion or hypocritical teachers. He wants people who truly follow Him from the heart.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate teacher and the embodiment of knowledge and truth. Unlike the Jewish leaders Paul was confronting, Jesus not only taught God’s truth-He lived it perfectly. He warned against religious hypocrisy (Matthew 23) and emphasized that true wisdom is shown through obedience to God (Matthew 7:24-27).
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17) and made a way for both Jews and Gentiles to be made right with God-not through knowledge alone but through faith in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do we sometimes rely on knowledge of God’s Word rather than true obedience?
- Are there areas in our lives where we teach others but fail to live out the truth ourselves?
- How does this verse challenge us to remain humble in our faith?
- What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are living out what we know about God?
- How does Jesus’ example show us what true spiritual leadership looks like?