“14 So, when Gentiles, who do not by nature have the law, do what the law demands, they are a law to themselves even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts. Their consciences confirm this. Their competing thoughts either accuse or even excuse them 16 on the day when God judges what people have kept secret, according to my gospel through Christ Jesus.”
Paul is making the argument that even though the Gentile Christians did not receive the Mosaic Law like the Jews did, the Gentiles are still capable of honoring God and glorifying Him by doing what the law requires. Their consciences confirm the fact that the law of God, that is, what is right and wrong, what brings glory to God and what does not, is written on their hearts.
“For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them.” — Romans 1:18-19
When Paul said that back in chapter 1, he wasn’t only speaking to the Jewish Christians who have the law, but also to the Gentile Christians who may not have been familiar with the law. Paul says it has been made evident to them, Jews and Gentiles alike.
The Book of Acts records a sermon to the Gentiles by the Apostle Peter explaining that Jesus Christ can save both Jews and Gentiles. Any who fear God and do what is right will be acceptable to Him, regardless of their ethnic background.
“Peter began to speak: ‘Now I truly understand that God doesn’t show favoritism, but in every nation the person who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. He sent the message to the Israelites, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ — he is Lord of all. You know the events that took place throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how he went about doing good and healing all who were under the tyranny of the devil, because God was with him. We ourselves are witnesses of everything he did in both the Judean country and in Jerusalem, and yet they killed him by hanging him on a tree. God raised up this man on the third day and caused him to be seen, not by all the people, but by us whom God appointed as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that through his name everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins.’ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and declaring the greatness of God. Then Peter responded, ‘Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.” — Acts 10:34-48
So even without the law, we are able to know God and to serve Him and keep His commandments because it is written on our hearts. God has given us the knowledge and the tools necessary to obey Him.
One other note about the end of verse 16: Paul uses the phrase “according to my gospel through Christ Jesus”. (v. 16b) It seems a bit strange because Paul takes possession of the gospel, calling it his, through Jesus Christ. There is nothing abnormal here though. This is a way that Paul expresses himself in his other writings as well. (See Romans 16:25 and 2 Timothy 2:8) Paul makes it clear that the knowledge he has received about the gospel is a revelation from God. So in that way, Paul takes possession of the gospel as a communicator, not an author. Jesus is the owner and author of the gospel. Paul makes this clear in a paragraph from his letter to the Galatians.
“For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human source and I was not taught it, but it came by a revelation of Jesus Christ.” — Galatians 1:11-12
Amen brother……….I mean grandson. Great devotional today. I’m loving these.
I agree!