“And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.”
Brothers and sisters, if I am still being persecuted, why am I still being circumcised? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. — Paul's rhetorical question: if he were preaching circumcision ('peritemnō') as necessary, he would not face persecution, but his refusal to do so subjects him to 'diōgmos' (persecution); his sufferings prove his gospel's authenticity, and circumcision-rejection maintains the cross's scandal ('skandalon tou staurou' — offense/stumbling block of the cross).
Church Fathers on Galatians 5:11
“But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted?” Observe how clearly he exonerates himself from the charge, that in every place he judaized and played the hypocrite in his preaching. Of this he calls them as witnesses; for you know, he says, that my command to abandon the Law was made the pretext for persecuting me. If I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? For this is the only charge which they of the Jewish descent have to…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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