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)

⁴ Such confidence^(A) we have through Christ before God. ⁵ Not that we are competent in ourselves^(B) to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.^{(C) 6} He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant^(D)—not of the letter^(E) but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.^(F)