“And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?”
The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a law-breaker. The uncircumcised obedient will be judge over the circumcised disobedient (krineō). The written law (gramma) and circumcision become accusations against the one who possesses them but does not practice them. Possession of privilege without faithfulness becomes a basis for judgment.
Church Fathers on Romans 2:27
“And shall not the uncircumcision which is by nature judge?” You see, he recognizes two uncircumcisions, one from nature, and the other from the will. Here, however, he speaks of that from nature, but does not pause here, but goes on, “if it fulfil the Law, judge you, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the Law?” See his exquisite judgment. He does not say, that the uncircumcision which is from nature shall judge the circumcision, but while where the victory…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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