Romans 2:28

28 For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, and [true] circumcision is not something visible in the flesh.

Romans 2:28 Meaning and 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, but no impression on the mind. This is nothing, is not the true, solid, substantial, spiritual circumcision, which only avails in the sight of God.

Romans 2:28 In-Context

26 Therefore if an uncircumcised man keeps the law's requirements, will his uncircumcision not be counted as circumcision?

27 A man who is physically uncircumcised, but who fulfills the law, will judge you who are a lawbreaker in spite of having the letter [of the law] and circumcision.

28 For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, and [true] circumcision is not something visible in the flesh.

29 On the contrary, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart-by the Spirit, not the letter. His praise is not from men but from God.