“For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.”
Not even those who are circumcised are keeping the law, but they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. — Paul exposes Judaizer hypocrisy: they do not 'phylasso nomos' (keep the law) themselves, yet demand circumcision from Gentiles so they can 'kauchaomai' (boast) in the Gentiles' circumcised flesh, a perverse pride in proselyte-making.
Church Fathers on Galatians 6:13
“As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For not even they who receive circumcision do themselves keep the Law; but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.” Here he shows that they suffered this, not willingly but of necessity, and affords them an opportunity of retreat, almost speaking in their defense, and exhorting them to abandon…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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