Verse 29
29. Of the heart Circumcision is a symbol of purification. It shadows the cutting and severing all sensuality from the spiritual man. Hence even the Old Testament speaks of a circumcision of the heart, Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 4:4. Purification, indicated in the Old Testament under the severe rite of cutting off, is signified in the New by the gentle rite of baptism.
A Jewish writer soon after the Christian era says: “The Christian taunts us, saying, ‘Your women not being circumcised, are Gentiles.’ But they are ignorant that faith lies not in circumcision, but in the heart. Whoever rightly believes not, circumcision cannot make a Jew; whoso rightly believes, uncircumcision does not prevent from being Jew.” Perhaps this Rabbi had read St. Paul to advantage. One of the tracts of the Talmud says, “The Jew sits in the interior of the heart.”
Not of men Who set great estimate on material matters.
Of God Who is himself Spirit, and looks for purity in the finite spirit.
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