Romans 2:28

28 For he is not a Jew who [is] one outwardly, neither that circumcision which is outward in 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 If therefore the uncircumcision keep the requirements of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be reckoned for circumcision,

27 and uncircumcision by nature, fulfilling the law, judge thee, who, with letter and circumcision, [art] a law-transgressor?

28 For he is not a Jew who [is] one outwardly, neither that circumcision which is outward in flesh;

29 but he [is] a Jew [who is so] inwardly; and circumcision, of the heart, in spirit, not in letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.

Footnotes

• [a]. 'Openly,' 'manifestedly.'