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The ESV Global Study Bible's Study Notes

Romans 2:28,29

ROMANS—NOTE ON Romans 2:28 In striking contrast to Jewish beliefs of his day, Paul claims that true Jewishness and genuine circumcision are not ethnic or physical matters. Rather, they are matters of the heart. They are the work of the Holy Spirit. This letter/Spirit contrast compares the old era of redemptive history with the new age begun by Jesus Christ.

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See also Romans 2:28,29 in other biblical comments:

  • Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

    Verse 28. _FOR HE IS NOT A JEW_] A genuine _member of the Church_ of God, who has only an _outward_ profession. _NEITHER_ IS THAT _CIRCUMCISION_] Circumcision is a rite which represents a _spiritual...

  • Albert Barnes' Bible Commentary

    FOR HE IS NOT A JEW ... - He who is merely descended from Abraham, and is circumcised, and externally conforms to the Law only, does not possess the true character, and manifest the true spirit, conte...

  • Annotated Bible by A.C. Gaebelein

    CHAPTER 2 _ 1. The Gentile Moralist and Reformer and His Condemnation. (Romans 2:1 .)_ 2. The Two Classes. (Romans 2:7 .) 3. The State of the Jew. (Romans 2:17 .)...

  • Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

    Now Paul accosts the Jew, reproving his PRIDE OF LAW, MADE VOID BY DISLOYALTY. Romans 2:17. His pretensions (But if thou bearest the name of Jew, etc.), provoke the questions of Romans 2:21 : the comm...

  • Barclay Daily Study Bible (NT)

    THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PRIVILEGE (Romans 2:1-11)...

  • Barclay Daily Study Bible (NT)

    If you are called by the name of Jew, if you take your rest in the Law, if you boast in God and know his will, if you give your approval to the excellent things, if you are instructed in the Law, if y...

  • Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes

    OUTWARDLY... WHICH IS OUTWARD. in (Greek. _en)_ outward (Greek. _phaneros._ App-106.) guise. NEITHER. Greek. _oude._...

  • Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

    _he is not a Jew_ Obviously, in the sense of exclusive privilege. Q. d., "If a Jew means (as the word would mean from Pharisaic lips) a member of a body which is specially entitled to salvation, then...

  • Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges Commentary

    28. The grammar is ambiguous, but the sense is clear. The outward state and sign, if they are to have spiritual value, demand a corresponding inward state; which itself has value, even if the outward...

  • Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges Commentary

    The nexus is marked by the particles—οὖν (21) sums up the privileges and introduces, in the form of questions, the contrast in the actual facts; γὰρ (24) implies the answer yes to the preceding questi...

  • Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges Commentary

    17–3:20. The Gospel is needed by Jews, who have also failed through ignoring the one condition of righteousness....

  • Charles Rose Commentaries

    ΦΑΝΕΡΌΣ (G5318) видимый, доступный, явный....

  • Charles Simeon's Horae Homileticae

    DISCOURSE: 1827 THE NATURE AND EXCELLENCE OF TRUE RELIGION Romans 2:28. _He is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he is a Jew, which i...

  • College Press Bible Study Textbook Series

    _TEXT_ Romans 2:25-29. For circumcision indeed profiteth, if thou be a doer of the law; but if thou be a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision is become uncircumcision. Romans 2:26If therefore the...

  • Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

    For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: FOR HE IS NOT A JEW WHICH IS ONE OUTWARDLY; NEITHER IS THAT CIRCUMCISION WHICH IS OUTWARD...

  • Concordant Commentary on the New Testament by A. E. Knoch

    _THE CONDUCT OF MANKIND_ 16 Much of the judgment which obtains among men is unjust and oppressive because of their inability to uncover the real truth: But in the divine judgment the _ hidden _ thing...

  • Darby's translation notes (1890)

    2:28 outwardly, (k-10) 'Openly,' 'manifestedly.'...

  • Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

    THE FAILURE OF THE JEWS In Romans 1 St. Paul showed that the Gentiles were under God's judgment on account of sin. Now he is about to turn to the Jews. He asserts first, that God's judgment will fall...

  • Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

    Cp. Romans 9:6.; Philippians 3:3....

  • EasyEnglish Bible Commentaries

    PAUL’S LETTER TO THE *ROMANS ROMANS _HILDA BRIGHT AND KEITH SIMONS_ CHAPTER 2 PAUL’S ANSWERS TO THOSE WHO *JUDGE OTHER PEOPLE 2:1-16 1. THEY CANNOT AVOID GOD’S JUDGEMENT 2:1-4 v1 So, you who *...

  • Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

    (25-29) This section forms a connecting-link with the opening of the next chapter. “The characteristic mark and badge of the Jew has two sides, the one outward and formal, the other inward and real. I...

  • Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

    f. The argument of the foregoing verses assumes what is stated here, and what no one will dispute, that what constitutes the Jew in the true sense of the term, and gives the name of Jew its proper con...

  • Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary

    HE REQUIRES HEART-OBEDIENCE Romans 2:21 The Jew relied upon the position given him by the privileges and rites of Judaism, although his religious life, as such, had shrunk within these outward things...

  • G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

    It is evident that the apostle here turned to the Jew, though he did not immediately name him. He charged the Jew with the sin of practicing the very evils he condemned in the Gentiles. He is at least...

  • Geneva Study Bible Commentary

    For he is not a Jew, which is one (u) outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: (u) By the outward ceremony only....

  • George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary

    _Nor is that circumcision, which is outwardly in the flesh. St. Paul distinguisheth two sorts of circumcision; that which is made in the flesh, according to the letter of the law, which is an outward...

  • Godet's commentary on Luke, John, Romans, 1 Corinthians

    The _second part_ of the chapter, Romans 2:17-29, contains _the application_ of the principles laid down in the first. After expressing himself in a general and more or less abstract way, Paul address...

  • Godet's commentary on Luke, John, Romans, 1 Corinthians

    FIFTH PASSAGE (2:1-29). THE WRATH OF GOD SUSPENDED OVER THE JEWISH PEOPLE. In the midst of this flood of pollutions and iniquities which Gentile society presents to view, the apostle sees one who lik...

  • Godet's commentary on Luke, John, Romans, 1 Corinthians

    “ _For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, an...

  • Hawker's Poor man's commentary

    Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, (18) And knowest will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; (19) And a...

  • Introductory Lectures - Commentary by William Kelly

    The circumstances under which the epistle to the Romans was written gave occasion to the most thorough and comprehensive unfolding, not of the church, but of Christianity. No apostle had ever yet visi...

  • James Nisbet's Church Pulpit Commentary

    _COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD_ ‘For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is...

  • John Calvin's Bible Commentary

    28._For a Jew is not he, etc. _The meaning is, that a real Jew is not to be ascertained, either by natural descent, or by profession, or by an external symbol; that the circumcision which constitutes...

  • John Darby's Synopsis

    Two things are presented here with respect to God; His judgment against evil the evil-doer shall not escape (the real difference of right and wrong would be maintained by judgment); and His mercy, pat...

  • John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

    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 circumci...

  • John Trapp Complete Commentary

    For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither _is that_ circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: Ver. 28. _Neither is that circumcision_] See Colossians 2:11. _See Trapp on "_ Col 2:11 _"_...

  • Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

    _For he is not a Jew_ In the most important sense, that is, one of God's beloved people; or a true child of Abraham, to whom the promise belongs, and one that God will own for a true member of his chu...

  • Justin Edwards' Family Bible New Testament (1851)

    IS NOT A JEW; in the spiritual sense, that of being a friend of God. OUTWARDLY; by outward descent from Abraham. NEITHER IS THAT CIRCUMCISION; in the spiritual sense; that which God approves and wil...

  • Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible

    FOR HE IS NOT A JEW WHICH IS ONE OUTWARDLY, NEITHER IS THAT CIRCUMCISION WHICH IS OUTWARD IN THE FLESH;...

  • Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible

    False and true circumcision:...

  • Leslie M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible

    THE CASE OF THE CULTURED GREEK But there is a class of Gentiles who are quite keen in seeing these evils in others, and unhesitatingly judging them for them, while never considering that the same judg...

  • Manly Luscombe Commentary on New Testament

    Romans 2:17-29 1. What is the difference between an inward Jew and an outward Jew? a. What was an outward Jew? i. Circumcised ii. Good self-image 1. Name Jew means a lot to him 2. Rested in the...

  • Mark Dunagan Commentaries

    FOR HE IS NOT. JEW WHO IS ONE OUTWARDLY; NEITHER IS THAT CIRCUMCISION WHICH IS OUTWARD IN THE FLESH:...

  • Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible

    25-29 No forms, ordinances, or notions can profit, without regenerating grace, which will always lead to seeking an interest in the righteousness of God by faith. For he is no more a Christian now, t...

  • Matthew Poole's Concise Commentary On The Bible

    HE IS NOT A JEW; a right or true Jew, who is heir of the promises made to the fathers. THAT IS ONE OUTWARDLY; the word _only_ is to be understood: see 1 CORINTHIANS 1:17. NEITHER IS THAT CIRCUMCISION;...

  • McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries

    For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh :...

  • NT Verse References in the Ante-Nicene Fathers

    Tertullian Against Marcion Book V the flesh; and "the Jew which is one inwardly" will be a subject of the self-same God as he also is who is "a Jew outwardly; "[620] Tertullian On the Resurrection o...

  • Patchworkid's Personal Study Bible Notes

    Romans 2:28 For G1063 is G2076 (G5748) not G3756 Jew G2453 outwardly G1722 G5318 nor G3761 circumcision...

  • Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

    THE SPECIAL CASE OF THE JEW. PAUL IS ANSWERING THE QUESTION - ‘DOES NOT HIS KNOWLEDGE OF THE LAW AND THE UNDERSTANDING THAT GOES WITH IT, ALONG WITH THE FACT THAT HE IS CIRCUMCISED INTO GOD'S COVENANT...

  • Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

    ‘For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh, but he is a Jew who is one inwardly (hiddenly), and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit...

  • Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

    WILL NOT CIRCUMCISION ENSURE THAT THE JEW IS TREATED DIFFERENTLY BY GOD? (2:25-29). The Jew then goes on to his second argument. If the possession of the Law and the benefits described above will not...

  • Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary on the NT (4 vols)

    Romans 2:28. FOR. This introduces the proof of the previous positions, Romans 2:27. HE IS NOT A JEW WHO IS ONE OUTWARDLY. This gives the sense of the original; but in this and the succeeding verse t...

  • Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary on the NT (4 vols)

    _2. The Jew is Condemned; His External Circumcision does not Avail._ This section contains the direct application to the case of the Jew, in the form of an indignant outburst (Romans 2:17-24), much of...

  • Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary on the NT (4 vols)

    2. THE SINFULNESS OF THE JEWS, AS A PROOF OF THEIR NEED OF THE GOSPEL. This passage contains the second part of the proof of the universality of sin, and hence of the universal need of the gospel, whe...

  • Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament

    WHICH IS ONE OUTWARDLY (ο εν τω φανερω). Ιουδαιος (Jew) has to be repeated (ellipse) with the article, "the in the open Jew" (circumcision, phylacteries, tithes, etc.). Likewise repeat περιτομη (ci...

  • Scofield's Bible Commentary

    FOR HE (_ See Scofield) - (Romans 9:6). _...

  • Sermon Bible Commentary

    Romans 2 The Practical Outcome of Judaism. I. The first thing on which St. Paul lays anxious stress in this passage is this: The judgment of God according to men's works is just, inevitable, and impa...

  • Spurgeon's Bible Commentary

    Romans 2:25. _For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision._ Paul is dealing with the Jew, who was apt to thin...

  • Summarized Bible Commentary

    CONTENTS: The equal standing of Jew and Gentile before the justice of God. Morality apart from Christ useless as means of salvation. Jews knowing the law condemned by the law. CHARACTERS: God. CONCLU...

  • Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

    Romans 2:1. _Therefore thou art inexcusable, oh man,_ whether Roman or Jew, who judgest another, and doest the same thing thyself, though it may be in some other way. But as the judgment of God is acc...

  • The Bible Study New Testament

    WHO IS A REAL JEW? Nationality and circumcision did not make a real Jew....

  • The Biblical Illustrator

    _Behold, thou art called a Jew._ THE JEWS ALSO WITHOUT EXCUSE Hitherto the apostle, in seeking to shut up the Jew unto the faith of Christ, has contented himself with an enunciation of the equitable...

  • The Biblical Illustrator

    _For circumcision verily profiteth if thou keep the law._ CIRCUMCISION IN RELATION TO BAPTISM I. Its institution (Genesis 17:9). It is called “the covenant,” and “the token of the covenant,” which Go...

  • The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary

    _CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 2:27.—φύσεως plainly means here what we call a state of nature, in distinction from a state in which a revelation is enjoyed. Romans 2:29.—Olshausen says that Ruchert is right...

  • The Pulpit Commentaries

    EXPOSITION ROMANS 2:1 (_b_) _Those who judge others, not excepting the Jews. _Here a new stage of the argument, in proof of the position propounded in Romans 1:18, begins, and is continued to the end...

  • Through The Bible C2000 Serie by Chuck Smith

    Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judges (Romans 2:1): You see, I read this list and I say, "Oh, yes, it is horrible. My, I just don't know what we are going to do, the w...

  • Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

    1 Peter 3:21; Galatians 6:15; Hosea 1:6; Isaiah 1:9; Isaiah 48:1;...

  • Wesley's Explanatory Notes

    For he is not a Jew — In the most important sense, that is, one of God's beloved people. Who is one in outward show only; neither is that the true, acceptable circumcision, which is apparent in the fl...

  • William Burkitt's Expository Notes

    Here our apostle comes close and home to the self-confident Jews, and touches them in the most sensible part. It was the hardest saying that could sound in. Jewish ear, to affirm, that CIRCUMCISION WH...

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