Scripture Spot Logo

Verse of the Day

WEB

Author Spotlight

Loading featured author...

Report Issue

See a formatting issue or error?

Let us know →

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.

See 3 Verse Takeaways

Book Overview

Romans

Author

Audience

Composition

Teaching Highlights

Outline

+ 5 more

See Overview

Commentaries

8

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Romans 2:29

18th Century

Theologian

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…

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On Romans 2:29

Who is one inwardly (ο εν τω κρυπτω). Repeat Ιουδαιος (Jew) here also, "the in the inward part Jew" (circumcision of the heart περ…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Romans 2:25–29

19th Century

Bishop

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…

Premium

Go Ad-Free

Go ad-free and create your own bookmark library

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On Romans 2:26–29

19th Century

Preacher

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…

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On Romans 2:29

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…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On Romans 2:29

16th Century

Theologian

What he then adds, in the spirit, not in the letter, understand this way: He calls the outward rite without piety, the letter, an…

Subscriber

Join Our Newsletter

Get curated content & updates

John Gill

John Gill

On Romans 2:29

17th Century

Pastor

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,…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Romans 2:25–29

17th Century

Minister

No forms, ordinances, or notions can profit without regenerating grace, which will always lead to seeking to partake of the righteousness of God by…