28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.
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.
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.