Romans 2:17

“Behold, thou art called a Jew, etc..] From hence to the end of the chapter the Jews are particularly addressed; their several privileges and characters are commemorated, which by an ironical concession are allowed them; several charges are brought against them, even against their principal men; and the plea in favour of them, from their circumcision, is considered; and the apostle's view in the whole, is to show that they could not be justified before God by their obedience to the law of Moses: “behold”; take notice, observe it, this will be granted: “thou art called a Jew”; thou art one by name, by nation, and by religion; but no name, nor outward religion, nor a mere profession, will…”

“Behold--"But if" is, beyond doubt, the true reading here. (It differs but in a single letter from the received reading, and the sense is the same).”

“Behold - Having thus stated the general principles on which God would judge the world; having shown how they condemned the Gentiles; and having removed all objections to them, he now proceeds to another part of his argument, to show how they applied to the Jews. By the use of the word “behold,” he calls their attention to it, as to an important subject; and with great skill and address, he states their privileges, before he shows them how those privileges might enhance their condemnation. He admits all their claims to pre-eminence in privileges, and then with great faithfulness proceeds to show how, if abused, these might deepen their final destruction. It should be observed, however, that…”

“But if thou art called a Jew - This highest point of Jewish glorying, after a farther description of it interposed, Rom 2:17-20, and refuted, Rom 2:21-24, is itself refuted, Rom 2:25, &c. The description consists of twice five articles; of which the former five, Rom 2:17-18, show what he boasts of in himself; the other five, Rom 2:19-20, what he glories in with respect to others. The first particular of the former five answers to the first of the latter; the second, to the second, and so on. And restest in the law - Dependest on it, though it can only condemn thee. And gloriest in God - As thy God; and that, too, to the exclusion of others. Romans 2:19”

“2:17-20 The boasting of the Jews reflects Old Testament and Jewish teaching about the privileges and responsibilities God gave to Israel. God gave his law to Israel, entered into a special relationship with them, and commissioned them to be a light to the Gentiles (see Isa 42:6-7). Jews were not wrong to enjoy these blessings; their error was in failing to live up to their privileged position.”

“thou art: Rom 2:28, Rom 2:29, Rom 9:4-7; Psa 135:4; Isa 48:1, Isa 48:2; Mat 3:9, Mat 8:11, Mat 8:12; Joh 8:33; Co2 11:22; Gal 2:15; Eph 2:11; Phi 3:3-7; Rev 2:9, Rev 3:1, Rev 3:9 restest: Rom 2:23, Rom 9:4, Rom 9:32; Jer 7:4-10; Zep 3:11; Luk 10:28; Joh 5:45, Joh 7:19, Joh 9:28, Joh 9:29 makest: Isa 45:25, Isa 48:2; Mic 3:11; Joh 8:41 Romans 2:18”