Scripture Readings

Romans 2:28-3:18 (Epistle)

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.