Apostolic Writings Discussions

Conversion by circumcision vs. by the Spirit (Galatians 5)

Paul’s discussions of circumcision, mainly in Galatians, Philippians and Romans, have been interpreted as being condemnation against the Torah, because the Law calls for circumcision for newborns and those wanting to participate in key parts of worship of God.

However, it must be remembered that circumcision by the first century A.D. had become an “identity marker” separating Jews from non-Jews. Like observance of Shabbat, circumcision was listed among the “works of [the] law” in the Dead Sea Scrolls that defined those separate from the corrupt religious system around the time of the first century. The rite of circumcision could be behind the division between Jewish and “unconverted” non-Jews that Paul dressed down Peter and the Galatian congregations in chapters 2 and 3 of this letter.

Post author By Jeff
Post date November 6, 2010
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Thought questions from the discussion on Galatians 5

What does it mean to “make known the deeds of God among the people” (Psa. 105:1)? Where do we learn about the deeds God has done?

How had the status of circumcision changed from the time of the Torah to the first century?

Is Paul railing against circumcision as written in Torah or as it had become in the first century?

Who is the audience of this letter? How might Paul want these “teachers” to self-disqualify themselves from leadership?

What differences are there between Paul’s definition of freedom and the “law of liberty” described by Ya’akov (James)? If Paul’s definition of freedom is turning away from the flesh, how can Torah be a bondage when it also teaches us how to turn away from selfishness?

How does confidence in God’s promises make scientific discovery possible?

What is the “spiritual” law?

Reader: Dave