Is Paul talking about physical circumcision or something else in Galatians 5:3-4?
Question:
Hi.
I've read some of your articles and they've been helpful. Thanks.
I'm a kind of confused about what is written in Galatians 5:3-4 "I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace." Is Paul trying to say we should forget circumcision or is he not talking about physical circumcision?
I hope to get an answer. Thank you.
Answer:
Paul is talking about the physical circumcision that was required by the Law of Moses. He is using it as an example of one of many rules that the Jewish Christians were trying to impose on Gentile Christians. Paul's point is that if you require one law then you would have to require the whole Law, but that law only looked toward Christ.
Circumcision no longer has any meaning, since the Old Law has ended. "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love" (Galatians 5:1-6).
Response:
Thank you very much, sir. I'm delighted to have understood it. I can easily explain it to someone else now. God bless you.
