Chapter 2:24-29
By Pastor Greg Hooker
VERSE BY VERSE STUDY ON THE BOOK OF ROMANS
Read Scripture Text (Note: All Scriptures used are from the KJV.)
Chapter 2:24-29
Chapter 2:24-29
24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
25 For circumcision verily
profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 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.
Verse 24
“For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.”
“The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you”
Paul tells the Church your conduct and character is so bad you are “blaspheming” God (Matthew 9:3). Your testimony before the pagan world is a reproach upon your religion (Christianity) and God Himself.
Paul goes on to say that your hypocrisy it about as bad as it gets. You have no affect among the darkness, or the Gentiles. There is no Light of God’s glory in you hearts. You yourselves are grouping in darkness as well. Nothing in you life attracts sinners to your God. The pagans look at you Jews and scoff and laugh at your self righteous attitudes!
The life you are living is the reverse of what is should be. Instead of living in sin you should be living in holiness and exhibiting the love of Jesus Christ. Instead of being hypocrites you should be living a holy life and demonstrating to all what it means to be a follower of Christ. Sadly, everywhere the Jews traveled they were scorned for their poor attitudes and self righteousness.
Sadly, this same problem is prevalent today in modern Christianity. Many church members walk among sinners priding themselves with a ‘holier than though attitude’. Yet there is no true light emanating from them to light their path to Christ. Their testimonies are soiled with the stains of indifference and sin. One might say they are ‘luke warm Christians’ - having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.
“as it is written”
In times past the historical records of the Jews were less than good. They have always been a “stiff neck people” always priding themselves on their status and knowledge, but seldom living a Holy life as God has taught them in His Word. Once again, they were a people of hypocrisy.
Verse 25
“For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.”
“For circumcision verily profiteth,”
Circumcision was a special rite by which the relation to the covenant of Abraham was recognized, or by which the right to all the privileges of a member of the Jewish commonwealth were acknowledged (John 7:33; Acts 7:8). The Jews of course affixed a high importance to the rite. They could use it to boast in the fact they were descendants of Abraham, thus lifting their social status.
“if thou keep the law”
The mere fact a Jew was circumcised was of little value unless they observed what it stood for, the keeping of the laws of God. It may be a good thing to have His Law, but the mere possession of the Law cannot entitle any favor from God unless it is followed.
“but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.”
Just because a Jew was circumcised had no value unless the person observed the laws of the Lord. It will not distinguish you from those who are not circumcised. You will be treated as a pagan. No external advantages, no name, or rite, or ceremony, will bring salvation to you. God requires the obedience of the heart manifested in a change of life.
This applies with as much force to those who have been baptized, go to church, or do good works. Salvation is not found in any ritual, or rite. It’s found through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“For by grace are you saved through faith and not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Verse 26
“Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?”
“Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law”
The meaning of keeping the “Law” refers to all the Mosaic commandments, rules, rituals, and laws given by the Lord.
“but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.”
In other words, the Apostle teaches the doctrine of acceptance with God does not depend on a man's external privileges such as circumcision, but on the state of his heart and life. Salvation never comes through man’s efforts, but through faith of the efforts of another, Jesus Christ.
NOTE: As we have learned earlier, it’s impossible to be justified by the Law. In like manner, one is not justified by circumcision. A lack of circumcision (such as the Gentiles lacked) shall not block acceptance by God.
Remember, God never looks upon the outward appearance, but upon the thoughts and intents of the heart. He judges things as they are, and as the heart of man is. Whether circumcised or uncircumcised, Jew or Gentile, whoever sincerely attempts to live in the Law ought to be treated as if he had been circumcision.
Circumcision was a mark upon the male children as a covenant, or promise to obey the laws, rituals, etc. given to the descendants of Abraham. Just like the Law, it could not provide justification to anyone.
So he who believes in Christ by faith, and trusts his merits alone for salvation, shall be treated as if he were himself righteous. God judges people’s hearts, and treats them based on that, not the outward appearance. All are accepted by faith in God’s Son. This will be Paul’s continuing argument to the Jewish church in Rome.
Verse 27
“And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?”
“And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature”
Meaning the natural state of man before he is circumcised, or having gone through any Jewish rituals.
“if it fulfil the law, judge thee”
If they who keep the Law yet are uncircumcised, shall they not be justified before God? It’s the conduct, character, and content of the heart of man that condemns, or justifies him. “Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart.”
NOTE: Paul was a great lawyer in his days. That’s why he tends to repeat and hammer these doctrines into the hearts and minds of the people, just as though he were arguing before a court of law.
“who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?”
Shall not a pagan man (Gentile) who has none of your external privileges (laws, rituals, circumcision, etc.), if he keeps the law, does he not condemn and embarrass you that are Jews, who, although you have the letter of the Law and circumcision, are nevertheless transgressors of the law? Again, this is more hypocrisy leveled at the Jewish converts.
NOTE: So often we witness the same thing in our modern day churches. Some people of the congregation proudly flaunt their knowledge of the Bible and look down on those who don’t know much of it. They boast of their positions within the church, and snub their noses at new-comers. Shall not God judge them for their brazened attitude and lift those who are belittled? Like the Jews at the church in Rome, it behooves us to bridle our pride and lofty attitudes lest the wrath of the Lord rest upon us. Humility is the cure for pride.
“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:”
Paul underscores the fact that just because a person is a Jew, circumcised, performs rituals, has the laws of Moses, it does not mean they are justified before a holy God. Faith in God’s Son is the key to God’s heart. This is the argument Paul is addressing this church at Rome about.
25 For circumcision verily
profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 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.
Verse 24
“For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.”
“The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you”
Paul tells the Church your conduct and character is so bad you are “blaspheming” God (Matthew 9:3). Your testimony before the pagan world is a reproach upon your religion (Christianity) and God Himself.
Paul goes on to say that your hypocrisy it about as bad as it gets. You have no affect among the darkness, or the Gentiles. There is no Light of God’s glory in you hearts. You yourselves are grouping in darkness as well. Nothing in you life attracts sinners to your God. The pagans look at you Jews and scoff and laugh at your self righteous attitudes!
The life you are living is the reverse of what is should be. Instead of living in sin you should be living in holiness and exhibiting the love of Jesus Christ. Instead of being hypocrites you should be living a holy life and demonstrating to all what it means to be a follower of Christ. Sadly, everywhere the Jews traveled they were scorned for their poor attitudes and self righteousness.
Sadly, this same problem is prevalent today in modern Christianity. Many church members walk among sinners priding themselves with a ‘holier than though attitude’. Yet there is no true light emanating from them to light their path to Christ. Their testimonies are soiled with the stains of indifference and sin. One might say they are ‘luke warm Christians’ - having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.
“as it is written”
In times past the historical records of the Jews were less than good. They have always been a “stiff neck people” always priding themselves on their status and knowledge, but seldom living a Holy life as God has taught them in His Word. Once again, they were a people of hypocrisy.
Verse 25
“For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.”
“For circumcision verily profiteth,”
Circumcision was a special rite by which the relation to the covenant of Abraham was recognized, or by which the right to all the privileges of a member of the Jewish commonwealth were acknowledged (John 7:33; Acts 7:8). The Jews of course affixed a high importance to the rite. They could use it to boast in the fact they were descendants of Abraham, thus lifting their social status.
“if thou keep the law”
The mere fact a Jew was circumcised was of little value unless they observed what it stood for, the keeping of the laws of God. It may be a good thing to have His Law, but the mere possession of the Law cannot entitle any favor from God unless it is followed.
“but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.”
Just because a Jew was circumcised had no value unless the person observed the laws of the Lord. It will not distinguish you from those who are not circumcised. You will be treated as a pagan. No external advantages, no name, or rite, or ceremony, will bring salvation to you. God requires the obedience of the heart manifested in a change of life.
This applies with as much force to those who have been baptized, go to church, or do good works. Salvation is not found in any ritual, or rite. It’s found through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“For by grace are you saved through faith and not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Verse 26
“Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?”
“Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law”
The meaning of keeping the “Law” refers to all the Mosaic commandments, rules, rituals, and laws given by the Lord.
“but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.”
In other words, the Apostle teaches the doctrine of acceptance with God does not depend on a man's external privileges such as circumcision, but on the state of his heart and life. Salvation never comes through man’s efforts, but through faith of the efforts of another, Jesus Christ.
NOTE: As we have learned earlier, it’s impossible to be justified by the Law. In like manner, one is not justified by circumcision. A lack of circumcision (such as the Gentiles lacked) shall not block acceptance by God.
Remember, God never looks upon the outward appearance, but upon the thoughts and intents of the heart. He judges things as they are, and as the heart of man is. Whether circumcised or uncircumcised, Jew or Gentile, whoever sincerely attempts to live in the Law ought to be treated as if he had been circumcision.
Circumcision was a mark upon the male children as a covenant, or promise to obey the laws, rituals, etc. given to the descendants of Abraham. Just like the Law, it could not provide justification to anyone.
So he who believes in Christ by faith, and trusts his merits alone for salvation, shall be treated as if he were himself righteous. God judges people’s hearts, and treats them based on that, not the outward appearance. All are accepted by faith in God’s Son. This will be Paul’s continuing argument to the Jewish church in Rome.
Verse 27
“And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?”
“And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature”
Meaning the natural state of man before he is circumcised, or having gone through any Jewish rituals.
“if it fulfil the law, judge thee”
If they who keep the Law yet are uncircumcised, shall they not be justified before God? It’s the conduct, character, and content of the heart of man that condemns, or justifies him. “Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart.”
NOTE: Paul was a great lawyer in his days. That’s why he tends to repeat and hammer these doctrines into the hearts and minds of the people, just as though he were arguing before a court of law.
“who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?”
Shall not a pagan man (Gentile) who has none of your external privileges (laws, rituals, circumcision, etc.), if he keeps the law, does he not condemn and embarrass you that are Jews, who, although you have the letter of the Law and circumcision, are nevertheless transgressors of the law? Again, this is more hypocrisy leveled at the Jewish converts.
NOTE: So often we witness the same thing in our modern day churches. Some people of the congregation proudly flaunt their knowledge of the Bible and look down on those who don’t know much of it. They boast of their positions within the church, and snub their noses at new-comers. Shall not God judge them for their brazened attitude and lift those who are belittled? Like the Jews at the church in Rome, it behooves us to bridle our pride and lofty attitudes lest the wrath of the Lord rest upon us. Humility is the cure for pride.
“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:”
Paul underscores the fact that just because a person is a Jew, circumcised, performs rituals, has the laws of Moses, it does not mean they are justified before a holy God. Faith in God’s Son is the key to God’s heart. This is the argument Paul is addressing this church at Rome about.
QUESTION INSTRUCTIONS: Please read each question and write your answer in the "COMMENT" box below. Be sure to number each answer corresponding to the question asked and be as thorough as possible. The more you put into this study, the more you will commit it to memory. IMPORTANT: Do not refresh or shut your computer down until you are finished with this section and click the "Submit" button or you will loose all your information.
1. Paul says the Jews were hypocrites before the pagan world. They put up a front outwardly, but inwardly they committed the same sins. Sadly, this same problem is prevalent today in modern Christianity. Explain.
2. Explain circumcision and why the Jews prided themselves in it.
3. Unless the Jew did what, circumcision meant nothing.
4. Write out Ephesians 2:8-9.
2. Explain circumcision and why the Jews prided themselves in it.
3. Unless the Jew did what, circumcision meant nothing.
4. Write out Ephesians 2:8-9.
Verse 28
“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:”
Paul underscores the fact that just because a person is a Jew, circumcised, performs rituals, has the laws of Moses, it doesn’t mean they are justified before a holy God. Faith in God’s Son is the key to God’s heart. This is the argument Paul is addressing this church at Rome.
Verse 29
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.
“But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart”
What Paul is trying to get across to the Jewish church is this: the rite of circumcision that is acceptable to God requires not only the knowledge of the laws, rituals, and ceremonies, but the ‘cutting off’ of the sins of the flesh. It’s a heart filled with holiness which leads to an outward obedience to the Lord’s teachings, resulting in a pure life.
The purpose of circumcision was to be a sign of separation from the pagan world and their wicked ways, and of consecration to God and His holy ways. This design implied the renunciation and forsaking of all sins, or the cutting off of everything that was offensive to God. This was a work especially of the heart. This design was often stated and enforced in the writings of the Old Testament - Deuteronomy 10:16, "Circumcise, therefore, the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked;" Jeremiah 4:4; Deuteronomy 30:4.
“in the spirit”
This is an expression explaining further what the Apostle just said. It means the work was to take place in the soul, and not in the body only. It was to be an internal, spiritual work, and not merely an external service.
“and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”
Whose object is not to secure the praise of human beings. One of the main characteristics of the Jews in the time of Christ was a desire to secure honor among men, as in the performance of all the duties of their religion. They prided themselves on their descent from Abraham, and on their regular conformity to the precepts of the Law of Moses (Matthew 3:9; Matthew 6:2; Matthew 6:5; Luck 18:10-12; Matthew 23:23).
“But of God”
We must never forget, "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart;" - 1 Samuel 16:7. The praise of God can be bestowed only on those who conform internally, and not externally only, to God’s requirements.
These remarks made to the Jews may also be applicable to professing Christians:
1) That the external rites of Christianity are of much less importance than the state of the heart.
2) That the only value of those rites (baptism, communion, any service in the church) is to promote holiness of heart and life, not just to be seen of man.
3) That the mere fact that we are born of religious parents will not save us.
4) That the fact that we were dedicated to God in baptism will not save us.
5) That a mere profession of Christianity, however conservative may be our belief system, it will not save us.
6) That the estimate which people may put on our devotion to God is not the proper measure of our true character and standing. The heart must be measured by God.
“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:”
Paul underscores the fact that just because a person is a Jew, circumcised, performs rituals, has the laws of Moses, it doesn’t mean they are justified before a holy God. Faith in God’s Son is the key to God’s heart. This is the argument Paul is addressing this church at Rome.
Verse 29
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.
“But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart”
What Paul is trying to get across to the Jewish church is this: the rite of circumcision that is acceptable to God requires not only the knowledge of the laws, rituals, and ceremonies, but the ‘cutting off’ of the sins of the flesh. It’s a heart filled with holiness which leads to an outward obedience to the Lord’s teachings, resulting in a pure life.
The purpose of circumcision was to be a sign of separation from the pagan world and their wicked ways, and of consecration to God and His holy ways. This design implied the renunciation and forsaking of all sins, or the cutting off of everything that was offensive to God. This was a work especially of the heart. This design was often stated and enforced in the writings of the Old Testament - Deuteronomy 10:16, "Circumcise, therefore, the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked;" Jeremiah 4:4; Deuteronomy 30:4.
“in the spirit”
This is an expression explaining further what the Apostle just said. It means the work was to take place in the soul, and not in the body only. It was to be an internal, spiritual work, and not merely an external service.
“and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”
Whose object is not to secure the praise of human beings. One of the main characteristics of the Jews in the time of Christ was a desire to secure honor among men, as in the performance of all the duties of their religion. They prided themselves on their descent from Abraham, and on their regular conformity to the precepts of the Law of Moses (Matthew 3:9; Matthew 6:2; Matthew 6:5; Luck 18:10-12; Matthew 23:23).
“But of God”
We must never forget, "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart;" - 1 Samuel 16:7. The praise of God can be bestowed only on those who conform internally, and not externally only, to God’s requirements.
These remarks made to the Jews may also be applicable to professing Christians:
1) That the external rites of Christianity are of much less importance than the state of the heart.
2) That the only value of those rites (baptism, communion, any service in the church) is to promote holiness of heart and life, not just to be seen of man.
3) That the mere fact that we are born of religious parents will not save us.
4) That the fact that we were dedicated to God in baptism will not save us.
5) That a mere profession of Christianity, however conservative may be our belief system, it will not save us.
6) That the estimate which people may put on our devotion to God is not the proper measure of our true character and standing. The heart must be measured by God.
QUESTION INSTRUCTIONS: Please read each question and write your answer in the "COMMENT" box below. Be sure to number each answer corresponding to the question asked and be as thorough as possible. The more you put into this study, the more you will commit it to memory. IMPORTANT: Do not refresh or shut your computer down until you are finished with this section and click the "Submit" button or you will loose all your information.
1. The rite of circumcision that is acceptable to God is what?
2. What is the purpose of circumcision?
3. What is it we must never forget?
2. What is the purpose of circumcision?
3. What is it we must never forget?