Galatians 5:11 - But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been removed.
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What does "Galatians 5:11" mean?
This verse in Galatians 5:11 is Paul passionately arguing against the necessity of circumcision for Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians. Let's break down what he's saying:
"But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision...": Paul's opponents were accusing him of inconsistency. They claimed that Paul sometimes taught that circumcision was necessary for salvation, either to appease Jewish Christians or to make converts more acceptable in Jewish communities.
"...why am I still persecuted?": This is the crux of his argument. Paul is pointing out that the Jewish community intensely persecuted him for preaching that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, without the need for adherence to Jewish Law (including circumcision). If he were actually teaching that circumcision was necessary, the Jews would have no reason to persecute him. He'd be aligning himself with their beliefs and practices.
"Then the stumbling block of the cross has been removed.": The "stumbling block of the cross" refers to the offensive nature of the Christian message to those who believe salvation comes through works (like following the Law). The cross is a symbol of Christ's sacrifice, and the message is that through faith in that sacrifice, sins are forgiven, and one is made right with God. If circumcision was necessary, it would effectively remove the offense of the cross. Here's why:
The offense: The idea that a person cannot earn salvation through their own efforts (following the Law) is offensive to those who believe in a merit-based system.
Removing the offense: If circumcision (a work of the Law) was required in addition to faith in Christ, it would mean that salvation is partially earned. This would make the cross less offensive because it would imply that human effort still plays a role. The message would be "Jesus' sacrifice helps, but you still need to do something (circumcision)."
In essence, Paul's argument is this:
> "If I were truly preaching circumcision, the Jewish community wouldn't be persecuting me. The fact that I'm being persecuted proves that I'm preaching salvation through faith in Christ alone, which is a message offensive to those who believe they can earn God's favor. If I preached circumcision, it would take away the offense of the cross by suggesting that works are also necessary for salvation, which is a false gospel."
Why is this important?
This verse is a powerful defense of the core Christian doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. Paul is adamant that adding any requirement to faith in Christ (like circumcision) fundamentally alters the Gospel and undermines the significance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
Galatians 5:11 - But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been removed.
What does "Galatians 5:11" mean?
This verse in Galatians 5:11 is Paul passionately arguing against the necessity of circumcision for Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians. Let's break down what he's saying:
"But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision...": Paul's opponents were accusing him of inconsistency. They claimed that Paul sometimes taught that circumcision was necessary for salvation, either to appease Jewish Christians or to make converts more acceptable in Jewish communities.
"...why am I still persecuted?": This is the crux of his argument. Paul is pointing out that the Jewish community intensely persecuted him for preaching that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, without the need for adherence to Jewish Law (including circumcision). If he were actually teaching that circumcision was necessary, the Jews would have no reason to persecute him. He'd be aligning himself with their beliefs and practices.
"Then the stumbling block of the cross has been removed.": The "stumbling block of the cross" refers to the offensive nature of the Christian message to those who believe salvation comes through works (like following the Law). The cross is a symbol of Christ's sacrifice, and the message is that through faith in that sacrifice, sins are forgiven, and one is made right with God. If circumcision was necessary, it would effectively remove the offense of the cross. Here's why:
The offense: The idea that a person cannot earn salvation through their own efforts (following the Law) is offensive to those who believe in a merit-based system.
Removing the offense: If circumcision (a work of the Law) was required in addition to faith in Christ, it would mean that salvation is partially earned. This would make the cross less offensive because it would imply that human effort still plays a role. The message would be "Jesus' sacrifice helps, but you still need to do something (circumcision)."
In essence, Paul's argument is this:
> "If I were truly preaching circumcision, the Jewish community wouldn't be persecuting me. The fact that I'm being persecuted proves that I'm preaching salvation through faith in Christ alone, which is a message offensive to those who believe they can earn God's favor. If I preached circumcision, it would take away the offense of the cross by suggesting that works are also necessary for salvation, which is a false gospel."
Why is this important?
This verse is a powerful defense of the core Christian doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. Paul is adamant that adding any requirement to faith in Christ (like circumcision) fundamentally alters the Gospel and undermines the significance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.