But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Read it in contextThe law and circumcision
Start reading at Romans 2:17 (Romans 2:17 to Romans 2:29).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul challenges confidence in possessing the law and circumcision when conduct contradicts them, preparing the question of Jewish advantage in chapter 3.
2:17Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
2:18And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
2:19And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
2:20An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
2:21Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
2:22Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
2:23Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
2:24For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
2:25For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
2:26Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
2:27And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
2:28For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
2:29But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 1:1–3:31): Paul addresses the believers in Rome about the accountability of Jews and Gentiles before God. His challenges to a judging person or one called a Jew are rhetorical addresses within the letter. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The law and circumcision. Read Romans 2:17 through Romans 2:29 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul challenges confidence in possessing the law and circumcision when conduct contradicts them, preparing the question of Jewish advantage in chapter 3. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul writes while planning further travel, including a visit to Rome. The letter does not supply a modern calendar date; reconstructions depend on comparing its travel notices with other texts. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The addressees are at Rome. Paul discusses other locations and travel plans, while the letter itself does not directly name the city where he is writing. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The law and circumcision (Romans 2:17 to Romans 2:29).
Start reading at Romans 2:17. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter explains the gospel of Jesus Christ, baptism into His death, life in the Spirit, and hope of glory. Promises in Romans 8 address those in Christ and stand with the chapter's stated conditions. See Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Read the argument as a connected appeal to an addressed church. Keep obedience, continuing in God's goodness, and warnings against presumption visible when speaking of grace, inheritance, and assurance. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 2
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions.
Connection to the wholeThe address turns against the person who condemns others while practicing sin, stressing judgment according to truth rather than privilege.
Connection to the wholePaul challenges confidence in possessing the law and circumcision when conduct contradicts them, preparing the question of Jewish advantage in chapter 3.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Auto-generated or draft outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.