C.2.2 No escape

[C.2.2 Addressing the first people of God, or any religious subset]17: But if you call yourself a Jew
and rely upon the law and boast of your relation to God
18: and know his will and approve what is excellent,
because you are instructed in the law,
19: and if you are sure that you are a guide to the blind,
a light to those who are in darkness,
20: a corrector of the foolish,
a teacher of children,
having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth --
21: you then who teach others, will you not teach yourself?
While you preach against stealing, do you steal?
22: You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery?
You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
23: You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?
24: For, as it is written,
"The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."
25: Circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law;
but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision.
26:So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law,
will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?
27: Then those who are physically uncircumcised but keep the law
will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law.
28: For he is not a real Jew who is one
outwardly,
nor is true circumcision something
external and physical. 29:
One is a Jew who is one
inwardly,
and real circumcision
is a matter of the heart,
spiritual and
not literal.
Such a one's praise is not from humans but from God.

25: Religion indeed is of value if you hear its precepts;
but if you condemn others, your religion becomes arrogance.
26:So, if a man who is not religious keeps the precepts of your tradition,
will not his lack of religion be regarded as true religion?
27: Then those who are physically outside but keep the precepts of the chosen
will condemn you who have the policy and tradition but act as if you have power.
28: For he is not a real person who deserves praise who is one
outwardly,
nor is true religion something
external and physical. 29:
A person who deserves praise is one
inwardly,
and real religion
is a matter of the heart,
spiritual and
not literal.
Such a one's praise is not from humans but from God.

I have rephrased verses 25 to 29. Read the literal [circumcision] and the parallel [religion] together; the historical reality must not be ignored - i.e. our own religious culture blinds us to our own judgmental reality. We really do fear freedom as the Grand Inquisitor says.

But seriously - who deserves praise? (see the etymology of Judah ידה from Genesis 29:35.)

This series on Romans begins here