Galatians and Circumcision: Matters of Scriptural Interpretation

Eventually, what matters is how to interpret scripture. Jewish Christians argue that circumcision is a must. Their scriptural basis is Gen 21 in which God orders all descendants of Abraham to be circumcised. But Paul’s scriptural interpretation begins with Gen 12 in which God calls Abraham out of nowhere and Abraham trusts him. Faith comes before circumcision (law). Faith comes before the law. Faith is the starting point for a new relationship with God. Faith can lead to keeping the law. For gentile Christians, works of the law such as circumcision or purity laws are not essential. For Jews, they can keep these laws along with faith.