Romans 2:14-15 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law… They do (literally) "the things which are of the law," i.e., which are agreeable to its prescriptions. They do not observe the precept as such, for they have it not, but they fulfil its contents; e.g., Neoptolimus in Philoctetes, when he refuses to save Greece at the expense of a lie; or Antigone, when she does not hesitate to violate the temporary law of the city to fulfil the law of fraternal love; or Socrates, when he refuses to save his life by escaping from prison, in order to remain subject to the magistrates. Sophocles speaks of these "eternal laws," and contrasts this internal and Divine legislation with the ever-changing laws of man. (Prof. Godet.) Parallel Verses KJV: For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: |
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