²⁵ Circumcision has value if you observe the law,^(A) but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised.^{(B) 26} So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements,^(C) will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised?^{(D) 27} The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you^(E) who, even though you have the^[a] written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.

²⁸ A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly,^(F) nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.^{(G) 29} No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart,^(H) by the Spirit,^(I) not by the written code.^(J) Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.^(K)

God’s Faithfulness

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

³ What if some were unfaithful?^(N) Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness?^{(O) 4} Not at all! Let God be true,^(P) and every human being a liar.^(Q) As it is written:

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