Prompt # 2 N.T.

Prompt: In 350-400 words explain why Paul was concerned about circumcision.
Response:
In Galatians chapter 2 we read Paul's letter to the Galatians. In verse 6 he is almost incredulous. He is angry and shocked and it is one of (if not the most) incensed letters we have record of him writing. The context is that Saul and Barnabas have already taught them the gospel. Later, men (also known as troublemakers) come along and teach the gentiles that they need to be circumcised to be saved. This concerns Peter as it is not a matter of circumcision itself, but the belief behind the reasoning. These men, who we will refer to, like Peter does, as troublemakers, teach that circumcision is vital for salvation. It’s not practice itself that incenses Peter, but the principle behind it. By teaching that circumcision is necessary after coming to a knowledge that Christ is the Messiah and being taught His gospel is teaching that Christ isn’t sufficient. It is, in short, preaching another, separate religion – not just adding to it. This is the frustrating aspect for Peter. By preaching mandatory circumcision they are disregarding Christ and His Atonement. They are teaching salvation by law, rather than what Christ taught – salvation by faith. In Galatians 2:16 we read, “Knowing that a man is not ajustified by the works of the blaw, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the cfaith of Christ, and not by the dworks of the elaw: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be fjustified.”
This is too important of an issue for Peter to ignore or even pretend to disregard. He wants to nip this false doctrine in the bud. He becomes angry to the point that in Galations 5:12 he states, “ I would they were even cut off which trouble you.” Which is awesome, as he basically is saying go emasculate yourselves. It shows a fun sense of humor as well as his hatred for what they are teaching. All in all, it’s not the practice of circumcision that concerns Peter, but the principles behind what the troublemakers were teaching.