Audio commentary on this verse

Note 7 at Rom. 2:6: Verses 6-16 are speaking of the final judgment of God at the end of this world. The Lord will judge us and render a due reward according to every man's work. Although this is true, some have taken these scriptures to mean the opposite of what Paul is saying in context here.

From the context, we see that Paul is preaching that Jews and Gentiles alike have all sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). Therefore, no one can be saved by his actions (Rom. 3:20). The only way to be saved is through faith in Jesus and what He did for us (Rom. 3:24-28). Therefore, these verses cannot be contradicting everything else that Paul is saying by proclaiming that acceptance by God is based on performance.

No, the action that will be rewarded with eternal life is the action of faith (Jn. 3:16). Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone. True faith has actions (Jas. 2:17-20). The Greek word that is translated "do not obey" in verse 8 means "to disbelieve (willfully and perversely): not believe; unbelieving." So it is faith that is the issue even though actions are being spoken of.

Therefore, to those whose faith is causing them to patiently continue in well doing (v. 7), they will receive eternal life. But to those whose rejection of God's mercy causes them to disobey (disbelieve) the truth, they will receive indignation and wrath; tribulation and anguish (vv. 8-9).