Behold, you are called a Jew, and rest in the law, and make your boast of God,
All Commentaries on Romans 2:17 Go To Romans 2
Ambrosiaster
AD 400
They are called Jews because it was their ancestral right to be called Israelites. Nevertheless, if we wish to understand everything which is relevant to the case, we must note that the name Jew had three different meanings. First, it meant the children of Abraham, who because of his faith was made the father of many nations. Then it refers to Jacob, who because of his increasing faith was called Israel, for the dignity which began with the father was honored in the sons. Third, they are called Jews not so much because of Judah as because of Christ, who was born of Judah according to the flesh, since in Judah it was made known that he would be in Christ. For it is said: “Judah will be your master,” and: “Judah, your brothers praise you.” This praise was given not to Judah as such but to Christ, whom nowadays all those whom he deigns to call his brethren praise…. The Jews themselves do not understand the meaning of their name and claim that it refers to the human Judah. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
