ACC ~ Galatians 6 v13a

CHRIST’S MORE PERFECT LAW AND MORE PERFECT CIRCUMCISION. EPIPHANIUS: The former circumcision was not inappropriate in its own time. But the law announced that Christ would come to dispense the law of freedom. Then the circumcision in the flesh would no longer be of service in the time of Christ. For through Christ came the true Oneof which the law was a shadow. From now on those who have been sealed with circumcision, even if they keep the whole law, would no longer gain any credit from their keeping this part of the law. … Nevertheless, the law is good and in its time so is circumcision, since through both we know Christ, who is the more perfect law and the more perfect circumcision. PANARION 42.12.3, EIGHTH REFUTATION OF MARCION.

FAILURE TO KEEP THE LAW. JEROME: Because of the weakness of the sin nature, Paul says, the law cannot be fulfilled. Hence the Jews keep the commands and traditions of the elders rather than God’s commands, performing neither the whole body of the law (which is impossible) nor the spirit of the law, which they did not understand. EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS 3.6.12.

THE LAW CANNOT BE KEPT A LONG DISTANCE FROM JERUSALEM. THEODORET: For how can they totally keep the law while they are traveling far from Jerusalem? How can they perform the feasts; how can they offer the sacrifices; how can they be cleansed after touching impure things? No, it is obvious that they have conspired to have you circumcised in their desire to boast of having made you change. EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS 6.13.

6:13b Glorying in Your Flesh

THE UNWORTHY MOTIVES OF THE JUDAIZERS. AUGUSTINE: Not only did [the Judaizers] wish to avoid persecution from the Jews, who were absolutely unwilling to let the law be given to the uncircumcised, but they desired to boast to the Jews about the number of proselytes they made. EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS 62 [1B.6.11-14].

Gal