Romans 2:23-29 ASV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 2:17-29

In the latter part of the chapter the apostle directs his discourse more closely to the Jews, and shows what sins they were guilty of, notwithstanding their profession and vain pretensions. He had said (Rom. 2:13) that not the hearers but the doers of the law are justified; and he here applies that great truth to the Jews. Observe, I. He allows their profession (Rom. 2:17-20) and specifies their particular pretensions and privileges in which they prided themselves, that they might see he did... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 2:17-29

2:17-29 If you are called by the name of Jew, if you take your rest in the Law, if you boast in God and know his will, if you give your approval to the excellent things, if you are instructed in the Law, if you believe yourself to be a leader of the blind, a light in darkness, and educator of the foolish, a teacher of the simple, if you believe yourself to have the very shape of knowledge and of truth in the Law--do you, then, who instruct another, not instruct yourself? Do you, who proclaim... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 2:23

Thou that makest thy boast of the law ,.... Of their having it, which other nations had not; of their knowledge of it, which many of their own people were without, or had but a small share of; and of their keeping of it even to perfection: through breaking of the law dishonourest thou God ? sin sometimes is expressed by a word which signifies a "fall"; sometimes by another, which signifies missing of the mark, or straying from it; sometimes by another, which signifies a "contrariety to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 2:24

For the name of God is blasphemed ,.... The being and perfections of God, such as his holiness, omniscience, and omnipotence, are denied, or evil spoken of; and also the law of God, and the forms of worship instituted by him: among the Gentiles through you : through their iniquities, who when they observe them, conclude that the God of Israel is not omniscient, or he would know, and take notice of these things; and that he is not holy, or he could not bear them; nor omnipotent, or he... read more

John Gill

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 2:24

For the name of God is blasphemed, etc. - In Debarim rabba, sect. 2, fol. 251, it is said: - "The rulers destroy the influence of their own words among the people; and this is done when a rabbin, sitting and teaching in the academy, says, Do not take usury, and himself takes it; do not commit rapine, and himself commits it; do not steal, and himself steals." That they were exceedingly lax in their morals, the following fact proves: - "Rabbi Ilai said, If a man see that his evil propensities... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 2:17-29

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 2:17-29

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 2:23

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 2:24

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 2:24

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