ACC ~ Galatians 5 v6a

NEITHER CIRCUMCISION NOR UNCIRCUMCISION CAN COUNT IN CHRIST’S KINGDOM. TERTULLIAN: Since circumcision and uncircumcision belonged to the one God, both therefore were annulled in Christ because of the priority given to faith, this being the faith of which it was written “the Gentiles shall believe in his name.” AGAINST MARCION 5.4.11.

THE ANALOGY OF CHOOSING ATHLETES ON THE BASIS OF THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN OR LENGTH OF THEIR NOSES. CHRYSOSTOM: [Circumcision] is indifferent for those who have it already before believing but not for those who are circumcised after believing. Note how he has rejected it, putting it after uncircumcision. What makes the difference is faith. For just as when one is choosing athletes, it matters nothing in this trial whether they be hook-nosed or snub-nosed, dark or fair, but all that need be looked for is that they be strong and skillful. So when a person is to be enrolled in the new covenant, the lack of these bodily trappings does no harm, just as they do no good if they be present. HOMILY ON GALATIANS 5.6.

NOR DOES UNCIRCUMCISION COUNT FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS. JEROME: [Lest Gentiles should say] that uncircumcision, in which “Abraham pleased God and had his faith counted for righteousness”is better than circumcision, which was given as a sign and was of no profit to Israel though it possessed it, we shall see that this arrogant boast has also been excluded with the greatest foresight. EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS 2.5.6.

Gal