Romans 2:25-3:8

English Standard Version

²⁵ For circumcision indeed is of value ^(A)if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. ²⁶ So, if ^(B)a man who is uncircumcised keeps ^(C)the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded^[a] as circumcision? ²⁷ Then he who is physically^[b] uncircumcised but keeps the law ^(D)will condemn you who have ^(E)the written code^[c] and circumcision but break the law. ²⁸ For ^(F)no one is a Jew ^(G)who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. ²⁹ But a Jew is one ^(H)inwardly, and ^(I)circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. ^(J)His praise is not from man but from God.

God's Righteousness Upheld

3 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? ² Much in every way. To begin with, ^(K)the Jews were entrusted with ^(L)the oracles of God. ^3 (M)What if some were unfaithful? ^(N)Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? ⁴ By no means! ^(O)Let God be true though ^(P)every one were a liar, as it is written,

⁵ But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict ^(S)wrath on us? (^(T)I speak in a human way.) ⁶ By no means! For then how could ^(U)God judge the world? ⁷ But if through my lie God's truth abounds to his glory, ^(V)why am I still being condemned as a sinner? ⁸ And why not ^(W)do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.