Romans 2:29

Inwardly. Literally, “in secret” (cf. Matt. 6:4). Real Jews are those who possess the spirit and character that fulfill God’s purpose in calling them to be His chosen people. God separated them, not merely to perform certain external rites, but to be a people holy in heart and life (Deut. 6:5; 10:12; 30:14; Ps. 51:16, 17; Isa. 1:11-20; Micah 6:8).

Of the heart. The spiritual background of circumcision, without which the external ceremony was worthless, was plainly taught in the OT (see Deut. 10:16; 30:6; Jer. 4:4; 9:26; Eze. 44:9; see also Acts 7:51; Phil. 3:3; Col. 2:11). The design of circumcision was that it should be a sign of separation from the heathen world and of consecration to the true God. The rite implied the renunciation and forsaking of all sins, the cutting off of everything that was offensive to God. Such a work was manifestly “of the heart.”

In the spirit. Literally, “in spirit”; that is, in the inner, spiritual life.

Not in the letter. Compare the same figure in Rom. 7:6; 2 Cor. 3:6-8. True circumcision involves an internal, spiritual work of submission to God and is more than a mere external compliance with a ritual requirement.

Praise. This could be regarded as a play on words. The name “Jew” is derived from “Judah,” which, in Hebrew, is built around a root word meaning “praise” (see on Gen. 29:35). In Rom. 2:17 Paul began his analysis of the spiritual condition of the Jews by referring to the name of which they were so proud. In v. 29 he has described the kind of person who is worthy of this name. It is appropriate that Paul should add that the real Jew is the person whose praise is not from men, but God. Compare 1 Sam. 16:7.

Much of what has been said about the Jews in this chapter may be applied to professing Christians. One who is in possession of the Word of God and understands his duty is highly privileged. This knowledge can lead to holiness and happiness in this life and to eternal life hereafter. But it is a fearful thing for Christians to neglect the privileges they enjoy. They will be judged according to the light they have received. The mere profession of religion cannot save them, no matter how orthodox their beliefs may be.

The estimate that men may place upon their apparent piety is not the true measure of their real characters and standing with God. External rites and ceremonies are much less important than the condition of mind and heart. The fact that one has been baptized will not, in itself, save him. The fact that one is listed as a member of the church, or that he was born of godly ancestors, does not guarantee his salvation. The real Christian is he who is one inwardly, for true religion is a matter of the heart.

In all his daily living the Christian must make the praise of God the objective of his striving. We are not to do our work “with eyeservice, as men pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Eph. 6:6; cf. Col. 3:22). Christ is our example in this. He said, “I do always those things that please him” (John 8:29). Paul similarly testified to pleasing, not men, but God (1 Thess. 2:4).