What does "every man who lets himself be circumcised" signify in Galatians 5:3? Context in the Letter • Galatians was written to Gentile believers tempted by Judaizers to add Mosaic regulations to faith in Christ. • Paul’s focus in 5:1-4 is the sufficiency of Christ’s work versus the bondage of law-keeping. • 5:3 reads, “Again I testify to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole Law.” Meaning of the Phrase “Every man who lets himself be circumcised” • “Every man” – the statement is broad and universal; Paul leaves no loophole. • “Lets himself” – highlights voluntary action. These Gentiles were not circumcised in infancy but were choosing the ritual as adults. • The phrase therefore points to any person who deliberately seeks circumcision as a religious requirement, thinking it will gain favor with God. What Circumcision Represented Under the Law • Genesis 17:9-14 – a covenant sign given to Abraham’s physical descendants. • Exodus 12:48 – a prerequisite for full participation in Israel’s Passover worship. • By submitting to circumcision, a Gentile believer was effectively placing himself under the Mosaic covenant and its entire legal system. Why Paul Highlights Personal Choice • These believers already possessed justification by faith (Galatians 3:26-29). • Choosing circumcision for righteousness said, in practice, “Christ is not enough” (Galatians 5:2). • Paul exposes the heart‐level issue: trust is shifting from Christ’s cross to human performance. The Obligation to Keep the Whole Law • James 2:10 – “Whoever keeps the whole law yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” • Romans 2:25 – circumcision “is of value if you practice the law.” • By adopting the covenant sign, a person signs up for perfect obedience—an impossible burden (Acts 15:10). Grace Versus Law: The Larger Theological Point • Galatians 2:16 – “A man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.” • Galatians 3:10 – “All who rely on works of the law are under a curse.” • Galatians 5:4 – pursuing law-righteousness “severs” one from the benefits of Christ. • Accepting circumcision as a requirement changes the basis of relationship with God from grace to performance. Relevant Cross-References • Philippians 3:2-3 – “Beware of the mutilators… we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God.” • 1 Corinthians 7:18-19 – “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what matters.” • Galatians 6:12-15 – true boasting is “in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ… neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.” Takeaways for Believers Today • Any work added as a requirement for justification displaces reliance on Christ alone. • Symbols and rituals are not inherently wrong, but trusting them for standing with God enslaves. • Freedom in Christ is maintained by guarding the gospel of grace and resting in His finished work. |
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