²⁸

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh;

²⁹

but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

¹

What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision?

²

Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.

³

For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?

⁴

Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written:"That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged."

⁵

But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.)

⁶

Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?

⁷

For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?

⁸

And why not say, "Let us do evil that good may come"?-as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.

⁹

What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.

¹⁰

As it is written:"There is none righteous, no, not one;

¹¹

There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.

¹²

They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one."

¹³

Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit"; The poison of asps is under their lips;

¹⁴

Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.

¹⁵

Their feet are swift to shed blood;

¹⁶

Destruction and misery are in their ways;

¹⁷

And the way of peace they have not known."

¹⁸

There is no fear of God before their eyes.