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New Testament

Paul’s Letters

What did Paul say about the time-honored Jewish tradition of circumcision?

Conflict arose in the early church as to whether or not Gentiles should be circumcised before they became Christians. Paul said it was not necessary: “Real circumcision is a matter of the heart—it is spiritual and not literal.” (NRSV, Romans 2:29) Paul used the example of the patriarch, Abraham. Abraham was made right with God through faith first. His circumcision came later.