Galatians 5:11 is today’s Text: “And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.”
At least Paul is still calling them (the Galatians) “Brethren!” Back in the early third chapter Paul had already called them “foolish!” Twice in fact!
And from today’s verse it appears that some of the “enemies” who had come to Galatia were accusing Paul of also preaching “circumcision” (as the “means” of attaining Heaven)!
What is “circumcision?” A Jewish act, to the core. A command Almighty God had given Abraham long ago. A sign of “covenant” relationship between the two. And a token of Jewish lineage/heritage ever since. “And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.” Genesis 17:11
But this form of surgery was NEVER meant as a religious act to bring eternal life to a man! That great Gift comes “by grace through faith,” preaches Paul!
But at any rate, did Paul ever preach such? “And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution?”
The adverb “yet” can (and often does) mean “still!”
Maybe they meant when Paul was still lost, a religious sinner! Still a Pharisee, he (certainly) would have preached adherence to the whole of Moses” Law, including circumcision. Do they have this in mind?
Or maybe (years after Paul was saved) when he asked Timothy to be circumcised! As recorded here in Acts 16:3 … ” Him (Timotheus) would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and CIRCUMCISED him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.” (But with a Jewish Mother, Timothy)
But do remember Paul refused to have Titus (a 100% Gentile) circumcised! An earlier lesson: “But NEITHER Titus, who was with me, being a GREEK, was compelled to be circumcised: and that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: to whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.” Galatians 2:3-5
Liars and false accusers never worry too much with the truth, do they?
So here in today’s Text they are still at it, lying about Paul and his preaching!
By the way, the verb here for “preach” is “kerusso,” not the “proclamation” word that has generally been used in Galatians so far, which is “evangelizing!” Evangelizing (literally in Greek) means preaching “Good News!” And preaching circumcision is NOT good news, Paul believes.
Wow!
But the real (in Paul’s amazing logic) point in our Text is this: IF Paul is still preaching circumcision, WHY is he being hated by the legalists? He would then (if preaching “works”) be in their “camp!” Their ally! They certainly would not be chasing and contradicting and battling the great Apostle everywhere he went! Or everywhere he had been, Galatia being the prime example.
A longer Lesson today, folks!
But, by verse’s end … what is the “offense of the Cross?”
The noun “offense” is “skandalon” in Greek, a “stumbling block.” Yes, to strict Jews “no longer demanding circumcision” was “beyond the pale!” Beyond comprehension! They even wanted/demanded that GENTILES who had trusted Jesus be circumcised!
So they would NEVER BELIEVE the so-called “Gospel of Paul,” the Gospel of Salvation as a Gift of God’s ineffable Grace!
The verb “cease” is “katargeo,” (blending “kata” and “argeo”) which means “to render idle.” To make something “inactive!” To strip it of its power! (Perish the thought!)
Wow!
“And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.”
Think of it!
Paul actually suffered (they tried to kill him repeatedly) because of the Gospel he preached!
A Gospel freely offered to “whosoever” will!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 1 Corinthians 9:15