Romans 2:22
Thou that sayest a man should not commit adulterie, doest thou commit adulterie? thou that abhorrest idols, doest thou commit sacriledge? Romans 2:22 (KJV)
In this verse the Apostle Paul confronts the problem of hypocrisy among the believers in Rome, both Jewish and Gentile. He has just reminded his readers that God’s judgment is impartial and that He evaluates everyone according to their deeds, not according to ethnic heritage or outward status. With that background, Paul turns his attention to those who profess moral and religious standards while violating the very principles they teach.
“Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery?” Paul points out the inconsistency of a person who condemns adultery yet practices it. The speaker claims to uphold a higher moral code and instructs others to avoid sexual immorality, but his own life betrays that claim. The result is a clear exposure of hypocrisy and a lack of integrity.
“Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?” Here Paul extends the same charge to those who claim to despise idolatry while committing sacrilege—any act that profanes what is held sacred. By violating the holiness of God’s name or worship, the individual contradicts his declared reverence and demonstrates the same double standard.
Both questions serve as a rebuke to anyone who relies on external reputation, religious titles, or self‑righteous teaching while ignoring the need for personal conformity to God’s law. Paul’s challenge is not merely academic; it is a call to self‑examination. Believers are urged to align their actions with the principles they proclaim, allowing the same standard they apply to others to govern their own conduct.
The passage therefore underscores two vital truths: first, that God’s judgment is impartial and will expose hidden sin, and second, that true righteousness flows from a heart that lives consistently with the gospel it professes. Christians are invited to discard hypocrisy, to pursue genuine holiness, and to let their lives bear the same witness as their words.
