“9 There will be affliction and distress for every human being who does evil, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does what is good, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no favoritism with God.”
Every sinner who is not saved through repentance of sin and faith in Christ will face the wrath and anger of God. For those who are under God’s wrath and anger, Paul lists affliction and distress as two of the consequences that will come. As was previously discussed in the Feb 7 devotional, it may not always seem like those who are complicit with evildoing are currently under God’s wrath and anger. We noted that this may be God’s way of calling them to repentance, and is showing them mercy by not bringing swift and immediate judgment and wrath upon them. However, their day is coming. Affliction and distress will find them, whether in this life or in eternity.
Paul then lists the order in which God’s judgments will be applied, “First to the Jew, and also to the Greek”. (v. 10b) This is the same way that Paul introduced the gospel back in chapter 1.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.” — Romans 1:16
In the same way that God offers His message of salvation first to the Jews, then to the Greeks, so, in the same order, God will apply affliction and distress to any who do not believe. The gospel was first to the Jews, so also, the consequences of doing evil, or the benefits of doing good are also first to the Jews. Note, however, that God shows no favoritism either in salvation or in judgment. God’s salvation and judgment might be first to the Jews, but all people have access to salvation in Jesus, and all people will be judged if they do not repent and believe. In Deuteronomy, Moses explains that one key attribute of God’s character is that He is impartial in His judgments.
“For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of Lords, the great, mighty, and awe-inspiring God, showing no partiality and taking no bribe.” — Deuteronomy 10:17
Don’t let the peace and prosperity you enjoy now cost you in the end. The very things you perceive as God’s approval may in fact be God’s gracious way of calling you to repentance. The day of judgment and wrath is coming. Now is the time to survey your heart. Are you living for God or are you living for yourself? Are you continuing in some secret sin? Jesus is faithful and sufficient to save you, but only if you call out to Him. Repent of your sin, confess Jesus is Lord, and believe in His resurrection and you will be saved. Have you done that? Then you will not face God’s wrath! Now go and live like it. Live a life for God that is worthy of the sacrifice Jesus has made for you. Go and tell others who are living in rebellion against God about the coming day of judgment. Share the good news of Jesus with them and implore them to also repent and believe. Will you do these things today?