Romans 2:27-29

²⁷ “And he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the law, will he not judge you who though having the letter of the law and circumcision are a violator of the law? ²⁸ For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. ²⁹ But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from people, but from God.”

Verse 27: Paul is highlighting the irony that someone who is not physically circumcised but still obeys the law can condemn those who have the written code and circumcision but fail to keep the law. Paul is emphasizing that true obedience to the law is not merely an external act, but a matter of the heart.

Verse 28: Paul is challenging the belief that being a true Jew is solely based on outward appearances or physical circumcision. He is emphasizing that true identity as a Jew, or as a follower of God, is not determined by external markers, but by the condition of the heart.

Verse 29: In this final verse, Paul clarifies that true circumcision is not a physical act, but a circumcision of the heart. It is a transformation that occurs through the work of the Holy Spirit, not through adherence to the written code or external rituals. The praise and acceptance of such a person come from God, not from the opinions of others.