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

but he [is] a Jew that [is one] inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, in spirit, not in letter, whose praise is not of men but of God.

who are Israelites, of whom are the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the law-giving, and the worship, and the promises;

But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all those of Israel [are of] Israel,

For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, [and] Israel for His peculiar treasure.

Hear these [words], you house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and have come forth out of Judah, who swear by the name of the Lord God of Israel, making mention [of it, but] not with truth, nor with righteousness;

maintaining also the name of the holy city, and staying themselves on the God of Israel; the Lord of hosts is His name. The former things I have already declared;

and do not think to say among yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham out of these stones.

And I say to you that many shall come from east and west, and recline [to eat] with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven;

but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How [can] you say, 'You will become free'?"

Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I.

We [who are] Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,

Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh--who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made by hands in the flesh--

For we are the [true] circumcision, worshipping by the Spirit of God, rejoicing in Christ Jesus, and having no confidence in the flesh,

circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; with respect to the law, a Pharisee;

But such things as were gain to me, these I have considered loss for the sake of Christ.

"I know your works, and your tribulation, and your poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but [are] a synagogue of Satan.

"And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He that has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name, that you live, and you are dead.

Behold, I will give those of the synagogue of Satan, those who say they are Jews and are not, but they are lying-behold, I will compel them to come and bow down at your feet, and they shall know that I have loved you.

You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God through the transgression of the law?

who are Israelites, of whom are the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the law-giving, and the worship, and the promises;

Why? Because [they did] not [seek it] by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled the stone of stumbling.

Trust not in yourselves with lying words, for they shall not profit you at all, saying, It is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.

and oppress not the stranger, and the orphan, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, and go not after strange gods to your hurt;

But seeing you have trusted in lying words, whereby you shall not be profited;

so that it is evil with you; yet have you come, and stood before Me in the house which is called by My name, and you have said, We have refrained from doing all these abominations.

In that day you shall not be ashamed of all your practices, where you have transgressed against Me: for then will I take away from you your disdainful pride, and you shall no more magnify yourself upon My holy mountain.

And He said to him, "You have answered correctly; do this and you shall live."

Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you--Moses, in whom you have hoped.

Has not Moses given you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why are you seeking to kill Me?"

[Then] they reviled him and said, "You are His disciple, but we are disciples of Moses.

We know that God has spoken to Moses; but [as for] this [Man], we do not know where He is from."

By the Lord shall they be justified, and in God shall all the seed of the children of Israel be glorified.

maintaining also the name of the holy city, and staying themselves on the God of Israel; the Lord of hosts is His name. The former things I have already declared;

Their heads have judged for gifts, and their priests have answered for hire, and her prophets have divined for silver: and yet they have rested on the Lord, saying, Is not the Lord among us? No evil shall come upon us.

You do the works of your father." Then they said to Him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father--God."