Romans 2:17-29 NIV

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 2:25

For circumcision verily profiteth ,.... The plea from circumcision in favour of the Jews, and their acceptance with God, and justification before him, is here, and in the following verses, considered. The apostle allows that circumcision was profitable; which must be understood whilst it was in force, before the abrogation of it, for since, it is not profitable but pernicious; and then it was only profitable, in case the law was kept: if thou keepest the law ; that is, perfectly; for... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 2:26

Therefore if the uncircumcision keep ,.... These words are spoken hypothetically; if any such persons could be found among the Gentiles who keep the whole law of God; and can only be absolutely understood of such, who from a principle of grace act in obedience to the law; as in the hands of Christ, and who look to Christ as the fulfilling end of it, for righteousness; in whom they keep the righteousness of the law perfectly: shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision ?... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 2:27

And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature ,.... That is, the Gentiles, who are by nature uncircumcised; for as circumcision was by the command of God, and performed by the art of men, uncircumcision is by nature, and what men naturally have. Now if it , such persons, fulfil the law in Christ, they will judge thee , the circumcision: and condemn, as Noah condemned the old world, Hebrews 11:7 , and the men of Nineveh and the queen of the south will condemn the men of that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 2:28

For he is not a Jew which is one outwardly ,.... The apostle removes the plea in favour of the Jews, taken from their name and privilege, by distinguishing between a Jew and a Jew, and between circumcision and circumcision: "he is not a Jew which is one outwardly"; by mere name, nature, nation, religion, and profession: neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh ; which takes away the flesh of the foreskin, but not the carnality of the heart; leaves a mark upon the flesh,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 2:29

But he is a Jew which is one inwardly ,.... Who has an internal work of grace upon his soul: who has not only an outward name, but an inward nature; not the law of God in the hand, but in the heart; not an external righteousness only, but internal holiness; and who is not a mere outward court worshipper, but a worshipper of God in Spirit and in truth. The Jews have a F5 T. Bab. Megilia, fol. 13. 1. saying themselves, "that whosoever denies idolatry, נקרא יהודי , "is called a... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 2:17

Behold, thou art called a Jew - What the apostle had said in the preceding verses being sufficient to enforce conviction on the conscience of the Jew, he now throws off the cover, and openly argues with him in the most plain and nervous manner; asserting that his superior knowledge, privileges, and profession, served only to aggravate his condemnation. And that, in fact, he who, under all his greater advantages, transgressed the law of God, stood condemned by the honest Gentile, who, to the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 2:18

Knowest his will - Hast been favored with a revelation of his own will, immediately from himself. The things that are more excellent - τα δισφεροντα , The things that differ - that revelation which God has given of himself makes the nicest distinctions between right and wrong; between vice and virtue; showing how you should walk so as to please God, and, consequently, acquire the most excellent portion that human spirits can have on this side heaven: for all these blessings ye... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 2:19

And art confident, etc. - In consequence of all these religious advantages, ye believe that ye are able to teach others, and to be guides and lights to the bewildered, darkened Gentiles, who may become proselytes to your religion. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 2:20

An instructer of the foolish, etc. - Ye believe the Gentiles to be babes and fools when compared with yourselves; that ye alone possess the only true knowledge; that ye are the only favourites of Heaven; and that all nations must look up to you as possessing the only form of knowledge, μορφωσιν της γνωσεως , the grand scheme and draught of all true science, of every thing that is worthy to be learned: the system of eternal truth, derived from the law. If, therefore, ye act not as becomes... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 2:21

Thou therefore - Dr. Taylor has paraphrased this and the three following verses thus: "What signify your pretensions to knowledge, and the office of teaching others, if you have no regard to your own doctrine? What are you the better for preaching against theft, if you are a thief yourself? Or for declaring adultery unlawful, if you live in the practice of it? Or for representing idolatry abominable, if you are guilty of sacrilege? What honors or singular favors do you deserve, if, while you... read more

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 2:25

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 2:26

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 2:27

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 2:28

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 2:29

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 2:17

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 2:18

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 2:19

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 2:20

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 2:21

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