13 For the hearers of the law(A) are not righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be declared righteous.[a] 14 So, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, instinctively(B) do what the law demands, they are a law to themselves even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law[b] is written on their hearts.(C) Their consciences confirm this. Their competing thoughts will either accuse or excuse them[c]

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 2:13 Or will be justified or acquitted
  2. Romans 2:15 The code of conduct required by the law
  3. Romans 2:15 Internal debate, either in a person or among the pagan moralists

13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey(A) the law who will be declared righteous. 14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law,(B) they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)

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