28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical.
28 Don't you see: It's not the cut of a knife that makes a Jew.
28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh;
28 For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
16 All who walk by this standard are the true Israel of God - his chosen people. Peace and mercy on them!
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
16 May God's peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.
(Read Galatians 6:16-18)
A new creation to the image of Christ, as showing faith in him, is the greatest distinction between one man and another, and a blessing is declared on all who walk according to this rule. The blessings are, peace and mercy. Peace with God and our conscience, and all the comforts of this life, as far as they are needful. And mercy, an interest in the free love and favour of God in Christ, the spring and fountain of all other blessings. The written word of God is the rule we are to go by, both in its doctrines and precepts. May his grace ever be with our spirit, to sanctify, quicken, and cheer us, and may we always be ready to maintain the honour of that which is indeed our life. The apostle had in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus, the scars of wounds from persecuting enemies, for his cleaving to Christ, and the doctrine of the gospel. The apostle calls the Galatians his brethren, therein he shows his humility and his tender affection for them; and he takes his leave with a very serious prayer, that they might enjoy the favour of Christ Jesus, both in its effects and in its evidences. We need desire no more to make us happy than the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle does not pray that the law of Moses, or the righteousness of works, but that the grace of Christ, might be with them; that it might be in their hearts and with their spirits, quickening, comforting, and strengthening them: to all which he sets his Amen; signifying his desire that so it might be, and his faith that so it would be.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 2:28
Commentary on Romans 2:25-29
(Read Romans 2:25-29)
No forms, ordinances, or notions can profit, without regenerating grace, which will always lead to seeking an interest in the righteousness of God by faith. For he is no more a Christian now, than he was really a Jew of old, who is only one outwardly: neither is that baptism, which is outward in the flesh: but he is the real Christian, who is inwardly a true believer, with an obedient faith. And the true baptism is that of the heart, by the washing of regeneration and the renewal of the Holy Ghost; bringing a spiritual frame of mind, and a willing following of truth in its holy ways. Let us pray that we may be made real Christians, not outwardly, but inwardly; in the heart and spirit, not in the letter; baptized, not with water only, but with the Holy Ghost; and let our praise be, not of men, but of God.