We studied Romans 2 this morning. It tells us that Jew or Gentile, it is those who follow the law that are saved and just being circumcised, for example, will gain you nothing if you don’t keep the law’s requirements. Verse 2:22 was perplexing, though understanding its meaning isn’t critical to understanding the Chapter. There are many different translations:
- NIV: …You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
- KJV: …You that abhor idols, do you commit sacrilege?
- NLT: You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples?
- Aramaic Bible in Plain English: …You commit adultery, and you who despise idols plunder the holy place!
It seems to me that it is saying that you claim to abhor idols but then steal from a temple dedicated to God but I would like to hear other translations. Please comment.
We also talked about the inappropriate application of spiritual laws to secular events. For example, if you steal you may go to jail. You may be forgiven for the sin of stealing but you can’t argue with the judge that you shouldn’t get jail time because Jesus has forgiven you.
1 comment:
22 You who say not to commit adultery, do you commit adultery [are you unchaste in action or in thought]? You who abhor and loathe idols, do you rob temples [do you appropriate to your own use what is consecrated to God, thus robbing the sanctuary and doing sacrilege]? AMPC
The KJV talks about just a temple and not a "pagan" temple. Strongs says the word is; Transliteration: hierosuleó
Phonetic Spelling: (hee-er-os-ool-eh'-o)
Definition: to rob a temple
So if we take "pagan"out of the verse, it seems to make more sense.
It's interesting that Jesus said the religious leaders had turned God's house (temple) into a den of thieves. What do thieves do? They steal.
Malachi also talks about us robbing from God in our tithes and offerings. Stealing!
Judas, was reporedly stealing from the money he collected in order to take of those who Jesus was discipling.
It seems there are many examples of how "they" and "we" may be stealing from the temple of God. As believers we are also called the temple of God and we are known as "royal" priests. Are we now guilty of robbing God's temple? It's something to contemplate.
1 Corinthians 3:16 New Living Translation (NLT)
16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?
2 Corinthians 6:16 New Living Translation (NLT)
16 And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:
“I will live in them
and walk among them.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
1 Peter 2:9 New Living Translation (NLT)
9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
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