How does Romans 2:20 define being a "teacher of infants" in spiritual terms? Historical-Cultural Context First-century Jewish leaders saw themselves as national catechists. Rabbinic writings (m. Aboth 1:1; t. Sanhedrin 8.1) emphasize guiding “the simple and the child.” The Temple-school complex uncovered south of the Temple Mount shows benches and inscriptional exercise tablets dated to the Herodian period, confirming organized religious instruction of youth. Paul, addressing Jews in Rome (Romans 2:17), mirrors their self-description: guide of the blind, light to those in darkness, teacher of infants. Theological Dimensions of “Infants” 1. Positive: New life begins in spiritual infancy (1 Peter 2:2). The beginner needs milk (Hebrews 5:13). 2. Negative: Extended immaturity indicates negligence or hypocrisy (Hebrews 5:12; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3). In Romans 2 the term is ironic—those boasting of teaching still need instruction themselves. Responsibility of the Teacher Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands transmission of Torah “to your children.” A genuine teacher of infants imparts foundational truth while modeling obedience. Paul’s critique: possession of “the embodiment of knowledge and truth” (týpon tēs gnōseōs kai tēs alētheias) obliges congruent living, not mere rhetoric (cf. Romans 2:21-24). Intertextual Parallels • Isaiah 28:9-10 – “Whom will He teach knowledge?… infants weaned from milk,” foreshadowing Israel’s stubbornness. • Psalm 119:130 – “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” • Galatians 4:1-3 – underage heirs (nēpioi) lack freedom though they own the promise, paralleling Jews under Law without Christ. • Hebrews 5:12-14 – need for “milk” vs. “solid food” clarifies the maturation spectrum. Practical Application 1. Evangelistic: Believers rightly explain elementary doctrines—creation, sin, substitutionary atonement, resurrection—to spiritual infants (Acts 17:24-31). 2. Discipleship: Progression toward maturity is expected (Colossians 1:28). 3. Warning: Hypocrisy discredits witness; teaching without transformation incurs stricter judgment (James 3:1). Archaeological Corroboration The 1992 discovery of first-century chalkstone vessels inscribed with Hebrew alphabet letters at Jerusalem’s Western Hill matches rabbinic emphasis on early literacy in Scripture, validating Paul’s contemporary reference to instructional roles. Conclusion “Teacher of infants” in Romans 2:20 denotes one who claims competence to ground the spiritually immature in God’s revelation. Paul affirms the legitimacy of such a role but exposes the tragedy when knowledge is detached from obedience and faith in Christ. Genuine teachers nurture infants toward maturity, embodying the very truth they communicate. |
    |