2:26
Conversely, if someone is uncircumcised then they are regarded as if they were circumcised. Behaviour was what mattered. Outward signs were of no value on their own. The Old Testament should have made it abundantly clear to them that God was concerned about behaviour. Likewise, baptism is of no value unless we believe and follow Christ. There are no “magic” rituals or signs!
2:27
So the Gentile who lives his life in obedience to God is far better off than the Jew who does not. Indeed this Gentile will condemn the disobedient Jew. Now we need to appreciate what Paul is doing here. He is not teaching any sort of salvation by works, nor is he saying that any Gentile is actually righteous by actions. Rather he is trying to get the Jews to realise that all of us are sinful, and outward signs and rituals are of no value in terms of saving us.
2:28,29
Being a Jew was much more than being circumcised. In Deuteronomy it speaks of being circumcised in our hearts (Deut 10:12-22). The physical symbol was meant to be a symbol of a changed heart, of a different character. The Law (the letter) could not bring about that change, it can only highlight the need for change. Only the Spirit can change a man’s heart. And the truly circumcised person looks to God for approval, not to men.
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