²⁸ A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly,^(A) nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.^{(B) 29} No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart,^(C) by the Spirit,^(D) not by the written code.^(E) Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.^(F)

God’s Faithfulness

3 What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? ² Much in every way!^(G) First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.^(H)

³ What if some were unfaithful?^(I) Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness?^{(J) 4} Not at all! Let God be true,^(K) and every human being a liar.^(L) As it is written:

⁵ But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly,^(N) what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.)^{(O) 6} Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world?^{(P) 7} Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory,^(Q) why am I still condemned as a sinner?”^{(R) 8} Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—“Let us do evil that good may result”?^(S) Their condemnation is just!