First the text of Modern King James Version:
Rom 2:12 For as many as sinned without Law will also perish without Law. And as many as have sinned within Law shall be judged through Law.
Rom 2:13 For it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.
Rom 2:14 For when the nations, who do not have the Law, do by nature the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law unto themselves;
Rom 2:15 who show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and the thoughts between one another accusing or even excusing one another,
Rom 2:16 in a day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Digging Deeper into Strong’s Concordance
Rom 2:12 For as many as sinned without Law (Strong’s; the Jewish Law.)
will also perish without Law. And as many as have sinned within Law shall be
judged Strong’s; to try, condemn or punish) through Law.
Rom 2:13 For it is not the ( Strong’s; merely the) hearers of the Law who
are just (Strong’s; Innocent) before God, but the doers (Strong’s;
performers) of the Law will be justified (Strong’s; to render or show as just
or Innocent).
Rom 2:14 For when the nations (Strong’s; races, tribes even Pagan’s),
who do not have the Law, do by nature (Strong’s: Disposition) the
things of the Law, these, not having the Law (law of Moses), are a law
(regulation or principals unto themselves;
Rom 2:15 who show the work of the Law written in their hearts (Strong’s:
thoughts, feelings, a broken-hearted nature), their conscience (Strong’s;
Moral Conscienceless) also bearing witness, and the thoughts (Strong’s;
Thoughts) between one another accusing or even excusing one another,
in a day (Strong’s; Feminine; gentle day, a time between dark
and light or a period of time) when God shall judge the secrets of men
(Strong’s; Human Kind) by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Strong’s; my own Good Message,)
Thoughts to consider for discussion
This is a discussion about judgment, judging others and judging others while secretly behaving badly and perhaps excusing one’s self.
To what law or laws are present day followers of Christs teachings accountable to?
Considering Christ’s teaching to not judge others lest the same judgement condemns the judge, when, in the discernment process of our behaviors and that of others, where does discernment leave off and judgment of which Paul is speaking against commence? What does our heart feel when we raise in judgment of others?
Finally, open your bibles, and read the rest of the chapter and consider the example of circumcision used here. What contemporary examples have we now, that are relevant and how do we approach difficult conversations without being judgmental, preferring to be loving and to preserve relationships with others in Christ?