Audio commentary on this verse

Note 2 at Rom. 2:29: This is a remarkable statement. Paul is saying that those who have been born again through faith in Jesus have been circumcised in their heart (Col. 2:11-12) and are the true Jews. They aren't Jews in nationality or religion, but they are the true people of God. Paul deals with this in more detail in Romans 9 and clearly makes a case that Gentiles who are united with Christ in the new birth are now God's people. Paul makes the same point in Galatians 3, saying that anyone who is saved through faith in Jesus is now Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise (Gal. 3:16, 22, 26-29). This leaves no doubt that the church is now God's chosen people on earth.

This does not mean that God has forsaken the Jews. Paul once again deals with that issue in Romans 9. There are still prophesies which apply to the physical nation of Israel which will be fulfilled. However, the New Testament church composed of Jews and Gentiles, is now God's kingdom on earth.

Note 3 at Rom. 2:29: Paul's statement here definitely places the spirit in the heart of man. This has led some to believe that the heart and spirit are the same, but 1 Peter 3:4 refers to the spirit of man as the hidden man of the heart, implying that the spirit comprises only a part of the heart. The heart of man is actually made up of two parts, the soul and the spirit. This is the reason the scripture speaks of having two minds in our hearts (Jas. 4:8) and why we must believe with all our heart (Acts 8:37), not just a part (see note 3 at Mt. 12:34, p. 188).

Note 4 at Rom. 2:29: The Greek word that is used here for "letter" is "gramma" and literally means, "a writing; i.e. a letter, epistle, book, etc." Paul is saying that circumcision is spiritual rather than natural. True circumcision is a born-again nature and not a mark in the flesh.