Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. — The circumcision question moves from marriage to the paradigmatic identity marker of Jewishness. Becoming uncircumcised (i.e., surgical restoration, periotomē) was attempted by some Hellenized Jews seeking to hide their identity (1 Macc 1:15). Conversely, some gentile converts to Christianity may have felt pressure to be circumcised to be 'truly' part of God's people. Paul declares both moves unnecessary: remain in your status at conversion.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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