Jews also Condemned by the Law

17 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve the things that are superior, because you[fn] are instructed by the law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light of those in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 21 Therefore, the one who teaches someone else, do you not teach yourself? The one who preaches not to steal, do you steal? 22 The one who says not to commit adultery, do you commit adultery? The one who abhors idols, do you rob temples? 23 Who boast in the law, by the transgression of the law you dishonor God![fn] 24 For just as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”[fn]

25 For circumcision is of value if you do the law, but if you should be a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 Therefore, if the uncircumcised person follows the requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be credited for circumcision? 27 And the uncircumcised person by nature who carries out the law will judge you who, though provided with the precise written code[fn] and circumcision are a transgressor of the law. 28 For the Jew is not one outwardly[fn], nor is circumcision outwardly[fn], in the flesh. 29 But the Jew is one inwardly[fn], and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter, whose praise is not from people but from God.