Romans 2:18- "And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;"

This verse from the book of Romans is a part of Paul's letter to the Romans, a group of people he had never met before. In the previous verses, Paul has been discussing the judgment of God and how it will be based on each person's works. In this particular verse, Paul is pointing out the hypocrisy of the Jews who believed themselves to be righteous due to their knowledge of God's law, yet they did not live according to it.

The verse opens with the statement "And knowest his will". This can be understood as a reference to the knowledge of God's will that the Jews had acquired through the law. The law, which in the context of Paul's writing refers to the Torah, served as a guide for the Israelites and contained God's commands and expectations for His people. The Jews prided themselves on their familiarity with the law and their supposed adherence to it. However, Paul points out that knowing the will of God is not enough; one must also live in accordance with it.

Paul continues, "and approvest the things that are more excellent". This suggests that the Jews not only knew God's will but also were able to discern what is good and right. They could recognize and approve of things that were of higher moral or ethical value. However, despite this ability, they still failed to live up to the standards of righteousness set by the law. They may have had the knowledge and the ability to discern, but they lacked the action and obedience.

The verse concludes with "being instructed out of the law". This emphasizes the source of the Jews' knowledge and understanding of God's will – the law itself. The law was intended to teach and guide the people in how to live holy and righteous lives. However, as Paul has been building his argument, he is highlighting the fact that simply knowing the law is not enough. One must also follow it and live by its principles.

Overall, this verse is a powerful indictment of the hypocrisy and self-righteousness of the Jews. It serves as a warning against placing confidence in one's knowledge and understanding of God's will without applying it to one's life. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to God's standards and embrace a life that reflects His will.

In terms of themes, this verse highlights the contrast between knowledge and action, faith and works. It speaks to the importance of living out one's faith in a tangible, visible way. It also challenges the concept of self-righteousness and calls for humility and obedience to God's will.

In the larger context of the book of Romans, this verse is part of Paul's argument that all people, whether Jew or Gentile, are in need of God's grace and salvation. Paul is addressing the religious pride and exclusivity that existed among the Jews, and he is pointing out that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). He is laying the foundation for his later discussions on the universal need for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

In terms of symbolism, this verse can be seen as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's beliefs and actions. It underscores the need for integrity and authenticity in one's faith. It also symbolizes the futility of relying on one's own righteousness apart from God's grace. The law itself can be seen as a symbol of God's standard of holiness and righteousness, which serves as a mirror to reflect our own sinfulness and need for a savior.

In conclusion, Romans 2:18 is a profound and convicting verse that challenges us to truly live out our faith and not merely rest on our knowledge or approval of God's will. It speaks to the universal need for salvation and underscores the importance of humility and obedience in the life of a believer. It engages with themes of faith, works, and the need for God's grace. As part of the larger context of the book of Romans, it sets the stage for Paul's powerful exposition of God's redemptive plan for all humanity.