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"And I testify again to every man..."

Text: Galatians 5:3a

BEARING SOLEMN WITNESS

The apostle Paul was deeply concerned about how the Judaizers seemed to have been able to cause the Galatians to falter in their faith in Christ. Paul resorted to making very personal statements to help the brethren to think clearly.

And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised
that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.

Galatians 5:3

1. “And I testify again”

a) Paul had argued.

b) He had borne witness solemnly.

c) He now testifies again.

d) He writes as if he was taking an oath.

2. “To every man who becomes circumcised”

a) To the Judaizers circumcision was everything.

b) Ultimately the believer must be circumcised.

c) If he is not circumcised then he would be excluded in the Abrahamic covenant.

3. Circumcision misunderstood

a) It was indeed a sign given to Abraham.

b) There was significance to the rite of circumcision.

c) There were implications that the Gentiles did not fully comprehend.

4. “He is a debtor to keep the whole law”

a) Circumcision was only the beginning.

b) The adherent would then be introduced to keep the whole law of Moses.

i) Ritualistic-religious observances.

ii) Dietary laws would have to be kept as well.

5. Paul’s own personal experience as a Pharisee in the past

a) He sought to keep the whole law.

b) That did not profit him in the least.

c) No one had ever kept the law completely.

d) Failure to keep the whole law invited severe penalties!