What does "preaching circumcision" imply about Paul's message in Galatians 5:11? Setting the Scene “Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished” (Galatians 5:11). Paul writes to believers shaken by teachers who insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised to be fully accepted by God. He reminds them that he is being persecuted precisely because he no longer preaches that requirement. What “preaching circumcision” signified • Returning to the Mosaic law as a salvation requirement (Acts 15:1; Galatians 6:12–13) • Trusting outward fleshly marks instead of inward faith (Romans 2:28–29) • Nullifying grace by adding human effort (Galatians 2:21; 5:4) • Removing the unique sufficiency of Jesus’ atoning death (Colossians 2:11–14) Paul’s former stance versus his current proclamation • Before Christ met him, Paul zealously enforced circumcision (Galatians 1:13–14; Philippians 3:4–6). • After his conversion, he declared, “We believe it is through the grace of the Lord Jesus that we are saved” (Acts 15:11). • He refused to compel Titus, a Gentile, to be circumcised so “that the truth of the gospel would remain” (Galatians 2:3–5). Why the cross offends when law-keeping is added • The cross proclaims human inability and divine sufficiency; pride resists that verdict (1 Corinthians 1:18, 23). • Legalists avoid persecution by pleasing religious opinion; the cross strips away such approval (Galatians 6:12). • Mixing law with grace empties the cross of its power, turning it into mere ornament rather than the finished work of redemption (Galatians 2:21). Paul’s unchanging message • Justification is by faith alone, apart from works of the law (Galatians 3:11; Romans 3:28). • Believers are a “new creation” where “neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything” (Galatians 6:15). • Freedom in the Spirit replaces slavery to ceremonial regulations (Galatians 5:1; 2 Corinthians 3:17). Practical takeaways for today • Any addition to the gospel—ritual, heritage, achievement—dilutes grace and dishonors the cross. • Persecution often confirms faithfulness to the unvarnished gospel; popularity can signal compromise. • True identity rests in Christ’s finished work, not in external marks or human performance. |
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