Galatians 5:12

"But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been removed."

Key Reflection

Paul argues that if he were preaching circumcision as a means of salvation, he would not be persecuted, but since he is persecuted, it must mean that his message of justification by faith in Christ alone removes the need for physical circumcision, highlighting the spiritual nature of true righteousness. This underscores that faith in Christ offers a new covenant that supersedes the old law.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 12. I would they were even cut off. That is, as I understand it, from the communion of the church. So far am I, says Paul, from agreeing with them, and preaching the necessity of circumcision as they do, that I sincerely wish they were excluded from the church as unworthy a place among the children of God. For a very singular and monstrous interpretation of this passage, though adopted by Chrysostom, Theodoret, Theophylact, Jerome, Grotius, Rosenmuller, Koppe, and others, the learned reader may consult Koppe on this verse. To my amazement, I find that this interpretation has also been adopted by Robinson in his Lexicon, on the word apokoptw.

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