Paul now focuses his attention specifically on the Jews who are reading this letter. He writes, “You are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes [Gentile converts to Judaism], having the form of knowledge and truth in the law” (2:17-20). Since the Jews were God’s chosen people and the recipients of the law, they viewed themselves as superior to all others (Gentiles and pagans). Following this extensive list of these “good deeds” performed by the Jews, Paul asks them a few indicting questions, “You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal…You who say, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples [seizing idols in pagan temples only to sell them for profit]? You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?” (2:22-23). Paul’s train of thought here is very clear. The Jews were teaching things that they themselves were not obeying, exposing the true condition of their heart.
Apparently, the Jews relied heavily on the fact that they had been circumcised, since this act was representative of the cleansing of sin (from its source) and their special relationship with God (see Genesis 17:10-14). However, Paul informs them that circumcision is only beneficial if there is an ongoing obedience to the law. Continually breaking God’s commands proves that their circumcision was simply an outward ritual without having any effect on the heart (2:25). True repentance of sin leads to life change and the deeds of the Jews were proving otherwise.
Continuing with this illustration of circumcision, Paul explains a couple things about the true meaning of being circumcised. First, an uncircumcised Gentile who keeps the law is considered circumcised; in other words, a believing Gentile who repents of sin and turns to God is regarded in the same way as a believing Jew (2:26). Secondly, Paul teaches that an uncircumcised Gentile who believes and obeys is a shame to the Jew who has had many advantages of knowing God, yet rejects Him (2:27). Last, Paul teaches his readers that the outward action of circumcision does not make one a Jew, but rather an inward circumcision of the heart (2:28-29). Circumcision only matters when it is accompanied by a life which has been turned from sin unto God. Paul emphasizes this reality by writing, “He is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter [of the law]; whose praise is not from men but from God” (2:29). Being saved from the power and penalty of sin is not the result of human effort or following man-made rituals, but rather a work by God’s Spirit who brings conviction of sin and life change.
Dear God, help me to see that my outward actions cannot gain favor with You, but only repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ.
