2:29 But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the {x} spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.
(x) Whose power is inward, and in the heart.
2:29 But he [is] a Jew, such a Jew as just described,
which is one inwardly, whose heart is given to God;
and circumcision [is that] of the heart. Circumcision of the heart is a figurative expression for inward purity, as old as the book of Deuteronomy. See De 10:16 30:06:00 Jer 9:26. This circumcision is not an outward mark in the flesh of the body, but is
in the spirit. The spirit of man is under the influence of the Spirit.
Not in the letter. Not literal.
Whose praise [is] not from men. The Jew, as we have seen, made his boasts, and praised his privileges, but though the true Jew, such as Paul describes, shall be ill-spoken of by men, but shall have praise of God.
The whole section shows that religious privileges, resulting from birth, the revelation of God's will, ritual observances and knowledge, increase the guilt of those whose morality does not correspond. The Jews, especially the Pharisees, were very eager for the praise of men, but the true Jew, the real child of Abraham's by faith, will have what is infinitely better, the praise of God.
2:29 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 Deut 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.
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.
