“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:”
A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. Paul now defines Jewish identity redefined: it is not constituted by external markers (en tōi phanerōi) alone. Jewishness cannot be reduced to genealogy or ritual practice (sarkikos). The true Jew must embody something more than ethnic privilege.
Church Fathers on Romans 2:28
“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
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!