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but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.
Verse Takeaways
1
True Faith is Internal
Commentators unanimously stress that true faith is not defined by outward religious acts like circumcision (or for Christians, baptism or church attendance). Paul redefines a true member of God's people as someone who is changed "inwardly." This "circumcision of the heart" is a genuine, spiritual transformation, not just adherence to external rules.
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Romans
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9
18th Century
Presbyterian
But he is a Jew. He fulfills the design of the Jewish institution; he truly shows what it is to be a Jew.
Which is one inwardly…
Who is one inwardly (ο εν τω κρυπτω). Repeat Ιουδαιος (Jew) here also, "the in the inward part Jew" (circumcision of the heart περ…
19th Century
Anglican
This section forms a connecting link with the opening of the next chapter. “The characteristic mark and badge of the Jew has two sides: one outward…
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Baptist
If this principle were fully recognized everywhere, it would certainly put an end to all that notion of sacramentarianism that some hold. It is not…
That this portion is intended as a conclusion to the discussion of both the law and circumcision is evident, for both are mentioned, though the law…
16th Century
Protestant
What he then adds, in the spirit, not in the letter, understand this way: He calls the outward rite without piety, the letter, an…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
But he is a Jew which is one inwardly. Who has an internal work of grace upon his soul: who has not only an outward name,…
No forms, ordinances, or notions can profit without regenerating grace, which will always lead to seeking to partake of the righteousness of God by…
13th Century
Catholic
After showing that the doers of the law are justified even without being hearers, which pertained to the Gentiles, the Apostle now shows …
