Circumcision and persecution : a Pauline perspective according to Gal. 5:11 and 6:12

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Paul's position regarding circumcision has been one of the most controversial issues in Pauline studies. This position has been interpreted theologically in traditional readings and has been ethically focused on in the reading of the new perspective on Paul. In this study Paul's position regarding circumcision was interpreted through the connection between circumcision and persecution presented in Gal. 5:11 and 6:12. A study of the historical background and an exegetical analysis were made to analyse the meaning of circumcision and persecution in Paul's world. Circumcision was an important factor in Judaism in Paul's age. It was the sign of being sons of Abraham and Jewish custom compelled circumcision for those who entered the Jewish community. Circumcision played an important role in the understanding of salvation and in this community's life. However, Paul, following his conversion, appears to have reconsidered the concept of circumcision. His changed position regarding circumcision is shown clearly in his autobiographical narratives, for instance in not compelling Titus's circumcision (Gal. 2:3). Gentiles became people of God through faith in Jesus Christ. In this sense Paul did not preach circumcision to the Gentile believers in Jesus, but Paul's opponents in the Galatian Churches preached circumcision to Gentiles. The Galatian churches were deluded by his opponents' teaching that added circumcision to the true gospel. Paul and his opponents were exposed to persecution if they failed to preach circumcision. In this situation, Paul's behaviour is contrasted with that of his opponents. Paul did not compel the Gentile believers in Jesus to undergo circumcision despite persecution (Gal. 5:11). However, his opponents added the requirement of circumcision to the gospel and preached this teaching to Gentile Galatians. In Gal. 6:12 Paul suggested that they preached circumcision in order to avoid persecution. Paul's important teaching has to do with enduring persecution because of not preaching circumcision so as to be true to the gospel. The contrast highlighted in Paul's statement provided a good model of ethical life to Gentiles in Galatia. Conversely, preaching to ensure own comfort, like Paul's opponents, is to not live according to the true gospel. Paul's teaching plays a pivotal role in Christian life. His pronouncement in these verses encourages Christians to adhere to the true gospel and to endure suffering that may result from being true to the gospel.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University