Romans 2:22

commit sacrilege Lit. plunder sacred things, or plunder from sacred places. The Gr. word is the same as that translated "robbers of churches," Acts 19:37. The idea of plunder is not necessary in the word, however; other forms of sacrilege may be included. Thus the reference may be to such profanations as that of the traders in the Temple (John 2:14, &c.), and the appeal will be, "Thou, who art so jealous for God against idolaters, dost thou worship self and mammon in His presence?" But if the special thought of robberyis kept (as is certainly more natural, with the derivation and usage of the Greek word in view), the reference probably is to Jewish thefts from pagan temples, where meanwhile the strict Jew professed not to dare to set his foot for fear of pollution. Scruple broke down before thievish avarice.