What does Romans 2:11 mean?

This verse refers to what Paul has written several times so far in this letter. The good news of the gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus was given first to the Jewish people and then to all others (Romans 1:16). In the same way, God's judgment on sin and the potential reward for good living will be given first to the Jews and then to all others (Romans 2:9–10). In spite of both things being given first to the Jews, they will also be extended equally to all of mankind, and under the exact same conditions.

In that way, God does not show partiality even to His chosen people of Israel. When it comes to His judgment on human sin, God holds the same standard for all.

Paul's words likely infuriated the Jewish religious leaders who opposed him all around the known world. They held as sacred truth the idea that they were protected from God's wrath because of the law and their special relationship with God as a nation. Paul will insist, though, that salvation for any one person is available only through personal faith in Jesus Christ and not through following the law of Moses.