Romans 2:23-29

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 2:27-29

And shall not the uncircumcision which is by nature ( i.e. men in a state of nature, Without any distinct revelation, or sign of a peculiar covenant) judge thee (thou presumest, in virtue of thy position, to judge them; nay, rather, they shall judge thee ) , who by (rather, with, i.e. though in possession of ) the letter and circumcision dost transgress the Law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 2:28-29

The religion of the flesh exchanged for the religion of the spirit. It is difficult for us to understand all that was meant by this assertion. The apostle was a Hebrew of the Hebrews, and we know, from the general tenor of his writings, how highly he valued the religion in which he had been trained, and how warmly he was attached to the race from which he sprang. That those who remained Jews in faith, who gloried in having Abraham as their father, and who prized as their own peculiar... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 2:28-29

Heartfelt religion. Religion may be conceived of as external or internal. According to the former view, we regard the religious man as one who in the sight of others observes the ceremonies of religion, attends Divine service, and conforms to the outward ordinances of Scripture. According to the latter view, we think of the heart of the man as moved by inward impulses, affected by certain sentiments, forming religious resolves, and conscious of holy affections. I. A GENERAL MISTAKE ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 2:23

Makest thy boast ... - To boast in the Law implied their conviction of its excellence and obligation, as a man does not boast of what he esteems to be of no value.Dishonourest thou God - By boasting of the Law, they proclaimed their conviction that it was from God. By breaking it, they denied it. And as actions are a true test of man’s real opinions, their breaking the Law did it more dishonor than their boasting of it did it honor. This is always the case. It matters little what a man’s... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 2:24

The name of God - The name and character of the true God.Is blasphemed - Note, Matthew 9:3. That is, your conduct is such as to lead the pagan world to blaspheme and reproach both your religion and its Author. By your hypocrisy and crimes the pagan world is led to despise a religion which is observed to have no effect in purifying and restraining its professors; and of course the reproach will terminate on the Author of your religion - that is, the true God. A life of purity would tend to honor... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 2:25

For circumcision - John 7:22 note; Acts 7:8 note. This was the special rite by which the relation to the covenant of Abraham was recognised; or by which the right to all the privileges of a member of the Jewish commonwealth was acknowledged. The Jews of course affixed a high importance to the rite.Verily profiteth - Is truly a benefit; or is an advantage. The meaning is, that their being recognised as members of the Jewish commonwealth, and introduced to the privileges of the Jew, was an... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 2:26

Therefore, if the uncircumcision - If those who are not circumcised, that is, the pagan.Keep the righteousness of the law - Keep what the Law of Moses commands. It could not be supposed that a pagan would understand the requirements of the ceremonial law; but reference is had here to the moral law. The apostle does not expressly affirm that this was ever done; but he supposes the case, to show the true nature and value of the rites of the Jews.Shall not his uncircumcision - Or, shall the fact... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 2:27

Which is by nature - Which is the natural state of man; his condition before he is admitted to any of the unique rites of the Jewish religion.If it fulfil the law - If they who are uncircumcised keep the Law.Judge thee - Condemn thee as guilty. As we say, the conduct of such a man condemns us. He acts so much more consistently and uprightly than we do, that we see our guilt. For a similar mode of expression, see Matthew 12:41-42.Who by the letter ... - The translation here is certainly not... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 2:28

For he is not a Jew ... - He who is merely descended from Abraham, and is circumcised, and externally conforms to the Law only, does not possess the true character, and manifest the true spirit, contemplated by the separation of the Jewish people. Their separation required much more.Neither is that circumcision ... - Neither does it meet the full design of the rite of circumcision, that it is externally performed. It contemplated much more; see Romans 2:29. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 2:29

But he is a Jew - He comes up to the design of the Jewish institution; he manifests truly what it is to be a Jew.Which is one inwardly - Who is “in heart” a Jew. Who has the true spirit, and fulfils the design of their being separated as a special people. This passage proves that the design of separating them was not merely to perform certain external rites, or to conform to external observances, but to be a people holy in heart and in life. It cannot be denied that this design was not... read more

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