Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision, a significant rite in the Abrahamic covenant, is referred to as "concision" in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. This term is used to convey a critical perspective on the ritual when it is divorced from its spiritual significance and reduced to mere physical mutilation.Biblical Context and Usage: The term "concision" appears in Philippians 3:2, where Paul warns the Philippian church: "Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!" . Here, "mutilators of the flesh" is translated from the Greek word "katatomē," which is a play on words with "peritomē," the Greek term for circumcision. Paul uses "concision" to describe those who insist on circumcision as a requirement for salvation, thereby distorting the gospel of grace. Theological Significance: In the Old Testament, circumcision was instituted as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14). It was a physical mark that set the Israelites apart as God's chosen people. However, the prophets and later New Testament writers emphasized that true circumcision is a matter of the heart, a spiritual transformation rather than a mere physical act (Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 4:4). Paul's use of "concision" in Philippians reflects his broader theological argument that physical circumcision is not necessary for salvation in Christ. In Galatians 5:2-6, Paul argues that if one accepts circumcision as a means of justification, they are obligated to keep the entire law, thus nullifying the grace of Christ. He emphasizes that "in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love" (Galatians 5:6). Historical and Cultural Context: In the early church, the issue of circumcision was a major point of contention, particularly between Jewish Christians and Gentile converts. The Jerusalem Council, as recorded in Acts 15, addressed this issue, ultimately deciding that Gentile believers were not required to undergo circumcision. This decision underscored the belief that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not adherence to the Mosaic Law. Paul's reference to "concision" serves as a polemic against Judaizers—those who sought to impose Jewish customs on Gentile Christians. By using this term, Paul underscores the futility of relying on external rituals for righteousness, advocating instead for a faith that transforms the heart and life. Practical Implications: For contemporary believers, the concept of "concision" serves as a reminder to focus on the inward transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit rather than external religious rituals. It challenges Christians to examine their faith, ensuring it is rooted in a genuine relationship with Christ rather than mere adherence to tradition or ritual. In summary, while circumcision was a significant covenantal sign in the Old Testament, the New Testament redefines its importance, emphasizing spiritual circumcision of the heart. The term "concision" highlights the danger of reducing faith to external observances, calling believers to a deeper, heart-centered faith in Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Philippians 3:2Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Philippians iii. 3-Jan Galatians Chapter V. The Epistle to the Philippians. section second. The Power of Christ's Resurrection Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ... Resources What is circumcision of the heart? | GotQuestions.orgIs baptism the New Covenant equivalent of circumcision? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about circumcision? What is the Christian view of circumcision? | GotQuestions.org Circumcision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Circumcision was Performed by Persons in Authority Circumcision was Performed by the Heads of Families Circumcision was Performed in the Presence of the Family Circumcision was Performed with Knives of Flint Circumcision was Performed: Even on the Sabbath Day Circumcision was Performed: On Males Home-Born and Bought Circumcision was Performed: On the Eighth Day Circumcision without Faith, Vain Circumcision without Obedience, Vain Circumcision: A Designation of Christians Circumcision: A Designation of the Jews Circumcision: A Painful and Bloody Rite Circumcision: A Prerequisite of the Privileges of the Passover Circumcision: A Seal of Righteousness Circumcision: A Seal of the Covenant Circumcision: Abolished by the Gospel Circumcision: Accompanied With Naming the Child Circumcision: Called The: Circumcision in the Flesh Circumcision: Called The: Concision Circumcision: Called The: Covenant of Circumcision Circumcision: Characterized by Paul As a Yoke Circumcision: Child Named at the Time of Circumcision: Covenant Promises of Circumcision: Enforced by the Law Circumcision: First Performed on Abraham and his Family Circumcision: Instituted by God Circumcision: Introductory Jewish Ordinances Circumcision: Israelites at Gilgal Circumcision: John the Baptist Circumcision: Necessary to Enjoying the Privileges of the Jewish State Circumcision: Necessity of, Asserted by False Teachers Circumcision: Necessity of, Denied by Paul Circumcision: Necessity of, Falsely Taught by Judaizing Christians Circumcision: Neglect of, Punished Circumcision: Not Performed in the Wilderness Circumcision: Paul Denounced for Opposing Circumcision: Paul's Argument Against the Continuance of Circumcision: Performed by Joshua at Gilgal Circumcision: Performed on all Males on the Eighth Day Circumcision: Performed on Timothy As a Matter or Expediency Because of The Circumcision: Promises to Abraham Previous To Circumcision: Punishment for Neglecting Circumcision: Purity of Speech Circumcision: Readiness to Hear and Obey Circumcision: Rite of, Observed on the Sabbath Circumcision: Saints the True Spiritual Circumcision: Sometimes Performed on Slain Enemies Circumcision: The Jews: Denominated By Circumcision: The Jews: Despised As Unclean Those not of The Circumcision: The Jews: Held It Unlawful to Intermarry With Those not of The Circumcision: The Jews: Held No Intercourse With Those not of The Circumcision: Trusting To, a Denial of Christ Related Terms Uncircumcision (19 Occurrences) Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences) |
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