For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical.

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.

Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?

And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved,

for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.”

But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.”

But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.

Final Instructions and Greetings

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.