For when the Gentiles, &c. The connexion marked by "for" is not easy to state. We take it to refer (overRomans 2:13, which is an explanation of the previous words) to Romans 2:12, and to be connected with the words "shall perish without law." Howthis shall be St Paul now suggestively states, by explaining that Conscience is to the heathen a substitute for Revelation, in regard of responsibility. Q. d., "Heathen sinners shall be justly condemned; forthough without the law, they have a substitute for it:"

by nature This phrase here has to do with a contrast not of nature and grace, but of nature and law. "Nature"here means impulses which, however produced, are not due to known Revelation, or indeed to any precept ab extra. Cp. 1 Corinthians 11:14.

the things contained in the law Lit. the things of the law. It is just possible to explain this as "things both commanded and forbiddenby the law." But far more naturally it means the "principles of the law," i.e. the grand Difference of right and wrong; and thus the whole phrase = "to act on the principles of the law." Nothing is here stated as to perception, or love, of holiness by heathen; but it is certainly stated that they had conscience, and could, up to a certain point, act upon it. It is scarcely needful to say that this is fully illustrated by ancient literature, while the same literature illustrates fully the mysterious limits of conscience and tremendous force of evil. See Appendix E.

having not the law i.e. "thoughnot having it." Their lack of the law gives special importance to the fact of conscience.

a law unto themselves This may mean "each to himself," or "each and all to the community." As to facts, both explanations would hold. Without individual conscience, there could be no public moral code. But we believe the mainreference here to be to the public code; to the generalconsciousness and opinion of heathens that right and wrong are eternally different, and that judgment is to be accordingly hereafter. This consciousness and opinion St Paul regards as influencing heathen minds mutually;as "shewn" in intercourse of thought and speech; as "witnessed to" by individual consciences; as coming out in "reasonings" philosophic or popular, concerning right and wrong; and as all pointing to a great manifestation of the truth of the principleat the Last Day.

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