Romans 2:29

“But he is a Jew which is one inwardly, etc..] Who has an internal work of grace upon his soul: who has not only an outward name, but an inward nature; not the law of God in the hand, but in the heart; not an external righteousness only, but internal holiness; and who is not a mere outward court worshipper, but a worshipper of God in Spirit and in truth. The Jews have a f28 saying themselves, “that whosoever denies idolatry, ydwhy arqn, “is called a Jew”:” so that, according to them, this is a name that is not confined to themselves, but belongs to all such who truly fear and worship God; and they say, in the same place, that Pharaoh's daughter was called tydwhy, “a Jewess”, because she…”

“But he is a Jew - He comes up to the design of the Jewish institution; he manifests truly what it is to be a Jew. Which is one inwardly - Who is “in heart” a Jew. Who has the true spirit, and fulfils the design of their being separated as a special people. This passage proves that the design of separating them was not merely to perform certain external rites, or to conform to external observances, but to be a people holy in heart and in life. It cannot be denied that this design was not generally understood in the time of the apostles; but it was abundantly declared in the Old Testament: Deuteronomy 6:5; Deuteronomy 10:12-13, Deuteronomy 10:20; Deuteronomy 30:14; Isaiah 1:11-20; Micah 6:8;…”

“But he is a Jew - That is, one of God's people. Who is one inwardly - In the secret recesses of his soul. And the acceptable circumcision is that of the heart - Referring to Deu 30:6; the putting away all inward impurity. This is seated in the spirit, the inmost soul, renewed by the Spirit of God. And not in the letter - Not in the external ceremony. Whose praise is not from men, but from God - The only searcher of the heart. Next: Romans Chapter 3”

“2:29 The letter of the law refers to the law of God written on tablets of stone (see 2 Cor 3:3), while the Spirit now writes his law on people’s hearts (Jer 31:33-34). Outward conformity is thus contrasted with obedience motivated by a change of heart.”

“which: Sa1 16:7; Ch1 29:17; Psa 45:13; Jer 4:14; Mat 23:25-28; Luk 11:39; Luk 17:21; Joh 4:23; Pe1 3:4 circumcision: Deu 10:16, Deu 30:6; Jer 4:4; Col 2:11, Col 2:12 spirit: Rom 2:27, Rom 7:6, Rom 14:17; Joh 3:5-8; Co2 3:6; Phi 3:3 whose: Joh 5:44, Joh 12:43; Co1 4:5; Co2 10:18; Th1 2:4; Pe1 3:4 Next: Romans Chapter 3”