Romans 2:4

Despisest thou? God’s love and patience produce only a contemptuous feeling of security in the heart of a person hardened in sin. “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is folly set in them to do evil” (Eccl. 8:11; cf. Ps. 10:11, 13). The Jews were accustomed to using the argument that since God was still blessing them, He therefore did not regard them as sinners (see Luke 13:1-5; John 9:2). How easily we fall into the same deception today. As God graciously continues to grant us time and opportunity to make ready for His return, we blindly presume on His mercy and patience by continuing complacently in our sinful ways. We fail to recognize the purpose of His forbearance and long-suffering.

Riches. A favorite word with Paul to describe the quality of God’s gifts and attributes (see Rom. 11:33; Eph. 1:7, 18; 2:7; 3:8, 16; Phil. 4:19; Col. 1:27; etc.).

Goodness. Gr. chrestotes, “excellence,” “kindness,” “mildness,” “gentleness.”

Forbearance. Gr. anoche, literally, “a holding back.” In classical Greek this term was used of a military truce. It implies something temporary that may pass away under changed conditions. Thus it is used to describe the “forbearance” of God in connection with the “passing over” of sins (ch. 3:25). In His forbearance God has held back His wrath, as if He had made a truce with the sinner. This does not mean that His wrath will not finally be executed. On the contrary, it implies that it most certainly will, unless the sinner has taken advantage of this time of truce to repent.

Longsuffering. Though God hates sin, yet in His long-suffering He does not come forth immediately to punish sin the moment it is committed. Rather, He spares men day by day to give them opportunity to repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:9). Men “despise” the long-suffering of God by inferring that He never intends to punish sin and that consequently they may safely persist in sinning.

Not knowing. A voluntary ignorance is implied (cf. Hosea 2:8).

Leadeth thee. The Greek may be interpreted as expressing an effort that may not realize its purpose. The phrase would thus mean “is meant to lead you,” “is trying to lead you.”

Repentance. Gr. metanoia. As elsewhere in the NT, this word implies a rightaboutface, a change of mind and purpose and life. It means more than simply sorrow for sin (see on Ps. 32:1).