Neither Circumcision nor Uncircumcision Counts for Anything

Galatians 5:1–6

1st Century

About This Entry

In the earliest generations of gentile Christ followers, Christian leaders like Paul continued to debate whether gentiles needed to circumcise and so become subject to the law in order to be saved through Christ. Below, Paul, who himself identified as a Pharisee, argues that gentiles ought not become circumcised because “the only thing that counts is faith working through love.” See also Early Christians Debate Jewish Observance.

1For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 2Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. 3Once again I testify to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the entire law. 4You who want to be justified by the law have cut yourselves off from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love.

 

Translation from the New Revised Standard Version.

We’re sorry. The Posen Library’s licensing agreements prevent this text from being printed or downloaded.

Credits

New Revised Standard Version Bible copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.

Engage with this Source

In the earliest generations of gentile Christ followers, Christian leaders like Paul continued to debate whether gentiles needed to circumcise and so become subject to the law in order to be saved through Christ. Below, Paul, who himself identified as a Pharisee, argues that gentiles ought not become circumcised because “the only thing that counts is faith working through love.” See also Early Christians Debate Jewish Observance.

Read more
Restricted
Some content is unavailable to non-members, please log in or sign up for free for full access.

Related Guide

Circumcision in Antiquity

1st–6th Centuries
Restricted
Some content is unavailable to non-members, please log in or sign up for free for full access.

Related Guide

Ancient Life-Cycle and Ritual Practice

4th Century BCE–6th Century CE
Restricted
Some content is unavailable to non-members, please log in or sign up for free for full access.

Related Guide

Jewish Daily Life in Roman-Era Palestine

1st Century BCE–6th Century CE

You may also like

Neglect of Circumcision

Jubilees 15:33–34

I am now telling you that the Israelites will prove false to this ordinance. They will not circumcise their sons in accord with this entire law because they will leave some of the flesh of their…
View Source