Romans 2:21

Therefore. Since the Jews had made such high profession of godliness and had laid claims to such lofty superiority, it was right that much should be expected of them. But Paul now depicts the inconsistency between their claims and their actual conduct. “They say, and do not” (Matt. 23:3).

Dost thou steal? Such inconsistency was not a recent development among the Jews. Long before, the psalmist had decried the moral declension of his people (Ps. 50:16). In making the charge of stealing, Paul no doubt had in mind, among other things, the dishonest methods of conducting business, such as were carried on right in the Temple area itself with the approval and cooperation of the priests and rulers (see on Matt. 21:12; see also DA 155). The charge of adultery may have included special reference to the loose practice of divorce (see on Matt. 5:31, 32). On moral conditions among the Jews see on Rom. 2:1.