Romans 2:29
No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise does not come from men, but from God.
But a Jew is one inwardly
This phrase emphasizes the internal nature of true faith and identity. The Greek word for "Jew" here, Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaios), traditionally refers to a member of the Jewish nation. However, Paul redefines it to mean someone who is spiritually aligned with God's will. Historically, being a Jew was associated with external markers like circumcision and adherence to the Law. Paul challenges this notion by asserting that true Jewish identity is a matter of the heart, aligning with the prophetic tradition found in Jeremiah 31:33, where God promises to write His law on the hearts of His people.

and circumcision is a matter of the heart
The term "circumcision" (περιτομή, peritomē) was a physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants. Paul uses it metaphorically to describe an inward spiritual transformation. This heart circumcision signifies a cutting away of sin and a dedication to God, echoing Deuteronomy 10:16, which calls for the circumcision of the heart. It underscores the shift from external rituals to internal faithfulness, a theme central to Paul's message of salvation through faith in Christ.

by the Spirit
The Greek word for "Spirit" is πνεύματι (pneumati), referring to the Holy Spirit. This highlights the divine agency in the transformation of the believer's heart. The Spirit is the active force in renewing and sanctifying believers, as seen in Ezekiel 36:26-27, where God promises to give a new heart and spirit. This transformation is not achieved by human effort but through the Spirit's work, emphasizing the grace and power of God in the believer's life.

not by the written code
The "written code" (γράμμα, gramma) refers to the Mosaic Law, which was inscribed on tablets of stone. Paul contrasts the external adherence to the Law with the internal work of the Spirit. The Law, while holy and good, could not bring about the righteousness it demanded (Romans 8:3). This phrase underscores the limitations of the Law in effecting true spiritual change, pointing instead to the new covenant where the Spirit enables believers to fulfill the righteous requirements of the Law.

Such a man's praise is not from men
The word "praise" (ἔπαινος, epainos) here suggests approval or commendation. Paul contrasts human approval with divine approval. In a culture where religious observance often sought public recognition, Paul reminds believers that true commendation comes from God. This echoes Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:1-6, where He warns against practicing righteousness for human applause.

but from God
The ultimate source of approval and validation is God Himself. This phrase emphasizes the divine perspective over human judgment. In the context of first-century Judaism, where religious leaders often sought honor from one another, Paul redirects the focus to God's evaluation. This aligns with 1 Corinthians 4:5, where Paul speaks of God bringing to light what is hidden and giving praise to each person. It serves as a reminder that God's assessment is what truly matters, encouraging believers to live for His glory rather than human accolades.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. Jews
The ethnic and religious group to whom Paul often addressed his letters, particularly concerning the law and its fulfillment in Christ.

3. Romans
The recipients of this epistle, a diverse group of believers in Rome, including both Jews and Gentiles.

4. Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, who plays a crucial role in the transformation of the believer's heart.

5. Circumcision
A physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, which Paul reinterprets as a spiritual condition of the heart.
Teaching Points
Inward Transformation Over Outward Rituals
True faith is marked by an inward change, not merely external compliance with religious rituals.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is essential in transforming our hearts, enabling us to live in a way that pleases God.

Seeking God's Approval
Our focus should be on receiving praise from God rather than seeking approval from people.

Heart Condition Matters
God desires a heart that is devoted to Him, which is reflected in our actions and attitudes.

Identity in Christ
Our identity as God's people is defined by our relationship with Him through the Spirit, not by ethnic or cultural markers.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Romans 2:29 challenge the traditional understanding of what it means to be a Jew or a believer?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our faith is more about inward transformation than outward rituals?

3. How does the Holy Spirit work in our lives to bring about the "circumcision of the heart"?

4. What are some practical ways we can seek God's approval rather than the approval of others in our daily lives?

5. How can the concept of heart circumcision be applied to modern Christian living, and what other scriptures support this idea?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 10:16
This verse calls for the circumcision of the heart, emphasizing internal transformation over external rituals.

Jeremiah 4:4
Similar to Deuteronomy, it speaks of heart circumcision, urging the people to remove the barriers between themselves and God.

Philippians 3:3
Paul reiterates that true believers worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus, not relying on the flesh.

Galatians 5:6
Paul emphasizes that in Christ, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has value, but faith expressing itself through love.
Inconsistency Hinders the Spread of ChristianityRomans 2:17-29
Inconsistency: its Evil EffectsC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 2:17-29
Ineffectual OpinionsA. Maclaren.Romans 2:17-29
Jewish BoastingC. Higgins.Romans 2:17-29
Jewish Treatment of GentilesProf. Godet.Romans 2:17-29
Nominal Christians, the Occasion of Blasphemy to the HeathenCanon Stowell.Romans 2:17-29
SacrilegeJ. W. Lance.Romans 2:17-29
SacrilegeT. Robinson, D. D.Romans 2:17-29
Sensitiveness of Moral SenseC. Neil, M. A.Romans 2:17-29
Teaching and ExampleAbp. Secker.Romans 2:17-29
Teaching and PracticeJ. Lyth, D. D.Romans 2:17-29
The Advantages of the JewsR. Haldane.Romans 2:17-29
The Jewish WorldR.M. Edgar Romans 2:17-29
The Jews Also Without ExcuseW. Tyson.Romans 2:17-29
The Need of Spiritual ReligionT. G. Horton.Romans 2:17-29
The Nominal ChristianJ. Lyth, D. D.Romans 2:17-29
The ProfessorJ. Lyth, D. D.Romans 2:17-29
The Responsibility of the TeacherRomans 2:17-29
The Sunday School TeacherJ. S. Broad, M. A.Romans 2:17-29
The Teacher Animated and Urged to DutyJ. Bennett, D. D.Romans 2:17-29
The Teacher Must Make the Truth Part of His Inner ExperienceC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 2:17-29
The Teacher TaughtC. S. Robinson, D. D.Romans 2:17-29
True ReligionC.h Irwin Romans 2:17-29
Truths Best Taught by LifeRomans 2:17-29
Unsaved WorkersC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 2:17-29
A Jew in the True SenseC. Neil, M. A.Romans 2:25-29
Artificial ReligionRomans 2:25-29
Church Privileges no Sign of GraceA. Burgess.Romans 2:25-29
Circumcision in Relation to BaptismH. McNeill, D. D.Romans 2:25-29
Circumcision of the Heart EssentialT. Chalmers, D. D.Romans 2:25-29
Inward Religion is Found InR. Watson.Romans 2:25-29
Inward Religion its Own EvidenceGervase Smith, D. D.Romans 2:25-29
Literal and Spiritual ObedienceH. Allon, D. D.Romans 2:25-29
Outward and Inward ReligionJ. Hambleton, M. A.Romans 2:25-29
Outward and Inward ReligionRomans 2:25-29
Outward and Inward ReligionAbp. Sharp.Romans 2:25-29
Outward and Inward ReligionC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 2:25-29
Outward and Inward ReligionM. Mede.Romans 2:25-29
Profession and RealityEpictetus.Romans 2:25-29
Religious FormsJ. Lyth, D. D.Romans 2:25-29
Spiritual JudaismHomilistRomans 2:25-29
Symbolic ReligionT.F. Lockyer Romans 2:25-29
The Circumcision of the HeartJ. Wesley, M. A.Romans 2:25-29
The Having and Enjoying Such Seals is not Sign Sure Enough for Our Being in the State of GraceA. Burgess.Romans 2:25-29
The Mere Routine of ReligionC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 2:25-29
The Praise of True ReligionT. G. Horton.Romans 2:25-29
The True Christian Described; the Hypocrite DetectedRomans 2:25-29
Heartfelt ReligionS.R. Aldridge Romans 2:28, 29
People
Paul, Romans
Places
Rome
Topics
Circumcision, Code, Heart, Heart-circumcision, Inwardly, Jew, Letter, Literal, Man's, Matter, Praise, Real, Receive, Secret, Spirit, Spiritual, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Romans 2:29

     1680   types
     3140   Holy Spirit, teacher
     3203   Holy Spirit, and assurance
     3230   Holy Spirit, and regeneration
     3236   Holy Spirit, and Scripture
     4018   life, spiritual
     5016   heart, fallen and redeemed
     5110   Paul, teaching of
     8369   worthiness

Romans 2:17-29

     5381   law, letter and spirit

Romans 2:25-29

     7336   circumcision, spiritual

Romans 2:28-29

     5173   outward appearance
     7328   ceremonies

Library
September the Tenth Criticism and Piety
"Thinkest thou, that judgest them that do such things, that thou shalt escape?" --ROMANS ii. 1-11. That is always my peril, to assume that by being severe with others I exculpate myself. I go on to the bench, and deliver sentence upon my brother, when my proper place is in the dock. And this is the subtlety of the snare, that I regard my criticisms and condemnations of other people as signs of my own innocence. This is the last refinement in temptation, and multitudes fall before its power. The
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Circumcision of the Heart
"Circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter." Romans 2:29. 1. It is the melancholy remark of an excellent man, that he who now preaches the most essential duties of Christianity, runs the hazard of being esteemed, by a great part of his hearers, "a setter forth of new doctrines." Most men have so lived away the substance of that religion, the profession whereof they still retain, that no sooner are any of those truths proposed which difference the Spirit of Christ from
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Earnest Expostulation
Observe that the apostle singled out an individual who had condemned others for transgressions, in which he himself indulged. This man owned so much spiritual light that he knew right from wrong, and he diligently used his knowledge to judge others, condemning them for their transgressions. As for himself, he preferred the shade, where no fierce light might beat on his own conscience and disturb his unholy peace. His judgment was spared the pain of dealing with his home offenses by being set to work
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 29: 1883

Coming Judgment of the Secrets of Men
"Should all the forms that men devise Assult my faith with treacherous art, I'd call them vanity and lies, And bind the gospel to my heart." Is not this word "my gospel" the voice of love? Does he not by this word embrace the gospel as the only love of his soul--for the sake of which he had suffered the loss of all things, and did count them but dung--for the sake of which he was willing to stand before Nero, and proclaim, even in Caesar's palace, the message from heaven? Though each word should
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885

"Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the Law of Our God, Ye People of Gomorrah,"
Isaiah i. 10, 11, &c.--"Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom, give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah," &c. It is strange to think what mercy is mixed with the most wrath like strokes and threatenings. There is no prophet whose office and commission is only for judgment, nay, to speak the truth, it is mercy that premises threatenings. The entering of the law, both in the commands and curses, is to make sin abound, that grace may superabound, so that both rods and threatenings
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Tendencies of Religious Thought in England, 1688-1750.
THE thirty years of peace which succeeded the Peace of Utrecht (1714), was the most prosperous season that England had ever experienced; and the progression, though slow, being uniform, the reign of George II. might not disadvantageously be compared for the real happiness of the community with that more brilliant, but uncertain and oscillatory condition which has ensued. A labourer's wages have never for many ages commanded so large a portion of subsistence as in this part of the 18th century.' (Hallam,
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World

The Same Necessary and Eternal Different Relations
that different things bear one to another, and the same consequent fitness or unfitness of the application of different things or different relations one to another, with regard to which the will of God always and necessarily does determine itself, to choose to act only what is agreeable to justice, equity, goodness, and truth, in order to the welfare of the whole universe, ought likewise constantly to determine the wills of all subordinate rational beings, to govern all their actions by the same
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God

Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia.
Part I. History of the Councils. Reason why two Councils were called. Inconsistency and folly of calling any; and of the style of the Arian formularies; occasion of the Nicene Council; proceedings at Ariminum; Letter of the Council to Constantius; its decree. Proceedings at Seleucia; reflections on the conduct of the Arians. 1. Perhaps news has reached even yourselves concerning the Council, which is at this time the subject of general conversation; for letters both from the Emperor and the Prefects
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Epistle xvi. From Felix Bishop of Messana to St. Gregory.
From Felix Bishop of Messana [243] to St. Gregory. To the most blessed and honourable lord, the holy father Pope Gregory, Felix lover of your Weal and Holiness. The claims under God of your most blessed Weal and Holiness are manifest. For, though the whole earth was filled with observance of the true faith by the preaching and doctrine of the apostles, yet the orthodox Church of Christ, having been founded by apostolical institution and most firmly established by the faithful fathers, is further
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Entire Sanctification in Type.
The Mosaic dispensation was legal, ceremonial and typical. "The law having a shadow of the good things to come," says the author of the Hebrews. But a shadow always points to a substance; and so far as holiness is commanded, and so far as it is shadowed forth in the ceremonial law, we shall find that there is a corresponding substance and reality in the gospel of Christ. In the first place, if we study carefully the provisions of the Mosaic law, we shall be struck with the many forms of ceremonial
Dougan Clark—The Theology of Holiness

Love of Religion, a New Nature.
"If we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him."--Romans vi. 8. To be dead with Christ, is to hate and turn from sin; and to live with Him, is to have our hearts and minds turned towards God and Heaven. To be dead to sin, is to feel a disgust at it. We know what is meant by disgust. Take, for instance, the case of a sick man, when food of a certain kind is presented to him,--and there is no doubt what is meant by disgust. Consider how certain scents, which are too
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

"If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" 2 Chron. vi. 18. It was the wonder of one of the wisest of men, and indeed, considering his infinite highness above the height of heavens, his immense and incomprehensible greatness, that the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, and then the baseness, emptiness, and worthlessness of man, it may be a wonder to the
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"If we Say that we have not Sinned, we Make Him a Liar, and his Word is not in Us. "
1 John i. 10.--"If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." There is nothing in which religion more consists than in the true and unfeigned knowledge of ourselves. The heathens supposed that sentence, {GREEK SMALL LETTER GAMMA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER NU}{GREEK SMALL LETTER OMEGA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER THETA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA} {GREEK SMALL LETTER SIGMA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER EPSILON}{GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER TAU}{GREEK SMALL LETTER OMICRON}{GREEK
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Though in Order to Establish this Suitable Difference Between the Fruits or Effects of virtue and vice,
so reasonable in itself, and so absolutely necessary for the vindication of the honour of God, the nature of things, and the constitution and order of God's creation, was originally such, that the observance of the eternal rules of justice, equity, and goodness, does indeed of itself tend by direct and natural consequence to make all creatures happy, and the contrary practice to make them miserable; yet since, through some great and general corruption and depravation, (whencesoever that may have
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God

But Now, that as Bearing with the Infirmity of Men He did This...
12. But now, that as bearing with the infirmity of men he did this, let us hear what follows: "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. To them that are under the law, I became as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; to them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law." [2505] Which thing he did, not with craftiness
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

Note to the Following Treatise 1. The Following Letter
NOTE TO THE FOLLOWING TREATISE 1. The following Letter, which is the 190th of S. Bernard, was ranked by Horst among the Treatises, on account of its length and importance. It was written on the occasion of the condemnation of the errors of Abaelard by the Council of Sens, in 1140, in the presence of a great number of French Bishops, and of King Louis the Younger, as has been described in the notes to Letter 187. In the Synodical Epistle, which is No. 191 of S. Bernard, and in another, which is No.
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church.
IN the city of Geneva, once the stronghold of the severest creed of the Reformation, Christianity itself has of late years received some very rude shocks. But special attempts have been recently made to counteract their effects and to re-organize the Christian congregations upon Evangelical principles. In pursuance of this design, there have been delivered and published during the last few years a series of addresses by distinguished persons holding Evangelical sentiments, entitled Séances
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World

Neither do they Confess that they are Awed by those Citations from the Old...
7. Neither do they confess that they are awed by those citations from the Old Testament which are alleged as examples of lies: for there, every incident may possibly be taken figuratively, although it really did take place: and when a thing is either done or said figuratively, it is no lie. For every utterance is to be referred to that which it utters. But when any thing is either done or said figuratively, it utters that which it signifies to those for whose understanding it was put forth. Whence
St. Augustine—On Lying

Man.
THE IMAGE OF GOD. MAN is God's image, and to curse wickedly the image of God, is to curse God himself. Suppose that a man should say with his mouth, I wish that the king's picture were burned; would not this man's so saying render him as an enemy to the person of the king? Even so it is with them that by cursing wish evil to their neighbors or themselves; they contemn the image of God himself. This world, as it dropped from the fingers of God, was far more glorious than it is now. VALUE OF THE SOUL.
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

The Hindrances to Mourning
What shall we do to get our heart into this mourning frame? Do two things. Take heed of those things which will stop these channels of mourning; put yourselves upon the use of all means that will help forward holy mourning. Take heed of those things which will stop the current of tears. There are nine hindrances of mourning. 1 The love of sin. The love of sin is like a stone in the pipe which hinders the current of water. The love of sin makes sin taste sweet and this sweetness in sin bewitches the
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity.
Text: Ephesians 4, 1-6. 1 I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

All Mankind Guilty; Or, Every Man Knows More than He Practises.
ROMANS i. 24.--"When they knew God, they glorified him not as God." The idea of God is the most important and comprehensive of all the ideas of which the human mind is possessed. It is the foundation of religion; of all right doctrine, and all right conduct. A correct intuition of it leads to correct religious theories and practice; while any erroneous or defective view of the Supreme Being will pervade the whole province of religion, and exert a most pernicious influence upon the entire character
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla
Jacques Saurin, the famous French Protestant preacher of the seventeenth century, was born at Nismes in 1677. He studied at Geneva and was appointed to the Walloon Church in London in 1701. The scene of his great life work was, however, the Hague, where he settled in 1705. He has been compared with Bossuet, tho he never attained the graceful style and subtilty which characterize the "Eagle of Meaux." The story is told of the famous scholar Le Clerc that he long refused to hear Saurin preach, on the
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 3

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