Romans 2:25–3:9

²⁵Circumcision has value if you observe the law,^p but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised.^{q 26}So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements,^r will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised?^{s 27}The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you^t who, even though you have the^c written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.

²⁸A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly,^u nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.^{v 29}No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart,^w by the Spirit,^x not by the written code.^y Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.^z

God’s Faithfulness

3What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? ²Much in every way!^a First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.^b

³What if some were unfaithful?^c Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness?^{d 4}Not at all! Let God be true,^e and every human being a liar.^f As it is written:

“So that you may be proved right when you speak

and prevail when you judge.”^ag

⁵But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly,^h what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.)^{i 6}Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world?^{j 7}Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory,^k why am I still condemned as a sinner?”^{l 8}Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—“Let us do evil that good may result”?^m Their condemnation is just!

No One Is Righteous

⁹What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage?ⁿ Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin.^o