Paul’s Argument against Gentile Circumcision in Romans 2:17-29

2014/09/23 by Matthew Thiessen · 1 citation
Arts and Humanities · Medicine · #Biblical Studies and Interpretation #Argument (complex analysis) #Philosophy #Biblical studies #Interpreter #Theology #Jewish studies #Religious studies #Judaism #Computer science #Medicine

paper · doi:10.1163/15685365-12341488

openalex publication_date 2014/09/23 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21

Abstract

The majority of interpreters conclude that in Rom 2:17-29 Paul addresses an ethnic Jew. In contrast, Runar M. Thorsteinsson has argued recently that Paul addresses a gentile, specifically a gentile who has judaized and now thinks of himself as a Jew. This article provides further support for Thorsteinsson’s argument, contending that Paul, contrary to virtually all translations, does not redefine Jewishness in 2:28-29. Additionally, in vv. 21-27 Paul insists that, despite being circumcised, the gentile judaizer fails to keep the very law in which he boasts.

Cited by

• Pauline Christianity [wikipedia]

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