Circumcision, or not?

“But from those who were influential (whatever they were makes no difference to me; God shows no favoritism between people)—those influential leaders added nothing to my message. On the contrary, when they saw that I was entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised just as Peter was entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (for he who empowered Peter for his apostleship to the circumcised also empowered me for my apostleship to the Gentiles). and when James, Cephas, and John, who had a reputation as pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we would go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. They requested only that we remember the poor, the very thing I also was eager to do.” Galatians 2:6-10 NET

When Jews believe that they are uniquely special in the eyes of God, it saddens me. It's not that they've been deceived, but rather that they are adopting a mindset of superiority. Jesus refers to this as pride or self-righteousness. In his interactions with the Pharisees, Jesus strongly rebuked them, not because of the name Pharisee which means "separate one," but because they had lost sight of the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with God and setting that example for others. They needed to show that God was approachable and that He loved everyone.

In the above verses, Paul is quick to point out that the elders or influential men of the Jerusalem ecclesia did not sway him with their opinions, as the grace of God accompanied his ministry. He also emphasizes that his ministry message was complete, with nothing added or lacking in reaching out to the Gentiles with the gospel of peace. He draws a powerful comparison between the two versions of the gospel being preached: Peter to the Jews (the circumcised) and Paul to the Gentiles (the uncircumcised). It's significant to realize that God had ordained both messages to be empowered by the Holy Spirit, reaching His children with the profound message of inclusion and forgiveness.

Paul and Barnabas presented a united front against the Judaizing factions, who believed that new Christian converts had to follow circumcision and other aspects of the Mosaic Law. They contradicted Paul's teachings and questioned his authority as an apostle. To defend his position, Paul aimed to show the Jerusalem ecclesia evidence of his apostolic calling and the grace bestowed upon him and Barnabas by the Holy Spirit. By proving himself as a true apostle of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, Paul hoped to put an end to the argument over his legitimacy, which it did.

After Jesus' death and resurrection, thousands of Jews put their faith in Him and began to share the good news with the Gentile world. One of the changes believers experienced when they realized the Messiah had come was the new freedom they had. Many felt they should still uphold the Law, while others believed Gentile converts had to take on the Law, or at least markers of the Law. One of the crucial laws pushed on the Galatians and other Gentile churches was circumcision.

The act of circumcision, which involves the removal of part of a man’s foreskin, was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. In Genesis it is stated, "This is my requirement that you and your descendants after you must keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. You must circumcise the flesh of your foreskins. This will be a reminder of the covenant between me and you." Genesis 17:10-11 NET

The pressure to undergo circumcision was felt by many Gentiles, while others sought guidance. The Book of Galatians clarifies the confusion regarding whether circumcision applies to Gentile or non-Jewish Christians and other aspects of the Law. This letter was one of many addressing this topic, and similar questions arose in different locations. For instance, in his letter to the Church in Corinth, Paul wrote, "Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing. Instead, keeping God’s commandments is what counts." 1 Corinthians 7:19 NET. Some Jews, with good intentions but confusion, pressured Gentiles to adhere to the Law, while others made it difficult for them, reluctant to accept outsiders into the faith. "But even if we (or an angel from heaven) should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be condemned to hell! As we have said before, and now I say again, if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let him be condemned to hell!" Galatians 1:8-9 NET.

“yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by the faithfulness of Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.” Galatians 2:16 NET.

Even today, many non-Jewish Christians struggle with how much of the Mosaic Law they should obey. Jesus clarified in His ministry that God looks at the heart, and the Law exists to condemn people by highlighting their sinfulness and need for a savior.

Now that Jesus has paid the price for the sins of every man, the Mosaic Law no longer holds people who go to Him for forgiveness under a heavy yoke. All someone needs to do to be saved is to go to Jesus, ask for forgiveness, and place their believing loyalty in Him for eternal life. And that begins an everlasting relationship with the living God.

In today's culture, non-Jewish people may choose to have their sons circumcised for non-religious reasons. Whether or not this is pursued, it is a personal decision. The Book of Galatians makes it clear that they are not under obligation to the Mosaic law. All people now have the opportunity to approach God as a son and a co-heir with Jesus Christ.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul reaffirms his previous teaching that the Mosaic Law is no longer applicable and that reverting to Jewish practices would be regressive and out of step with Jesus' teachings. While Christians experience a new freedom, this does not give them permission to sin; instead, they are called to live lives according to the leading of the Spirit of God and to assume the responsibility of doing so.

Stephen Barnett