1 Corinthians 7:19

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God.

'Circumcision is nothing' -Wow! Talk about. statement that would of "offended" the Jewish community in Corinth! 'It is hard for us to imagine the horror with which. fellow Jew would have responded. For not only did circumcision count, it counted for everything.' (Fee p. 313) Keep the above statement in mind when you hear people advocating that the church refrain from preaching on controversial subjects.

'and uncircumcision is nothing' -There is no moral virtue in either condition. Neither condition has. "upper spiritual hand" on the other. Both are immaterial as far as one's relationship with God is concerned.

Modern Applications:

1. Being white is nothing and being black is nothing. Paul reveals that all ethnic backgrounds are irrelevant concerning one's acceptance with God.

2. The same is true concerning gender. (Galatians 3:28)

'but the keeping of the commandments of God' -'obedience to God's commandments is everything.' (Wey); 'but what matter's is the keeping of the commandments of God' (NASV)

'Paul simply cannot allow. religious statement like "circumcision counts for nothing" to be turned into "obedience to the will of God counts for nothing."' (Fee p. 314)

Points to Note:

1. Obviously, being circumcised is no longer. commandment of God that needs to be kept. (Genesis 17:12) Which indicates that. change in what constitutes God's commandments has happened.

2. Seeing that failing to be circumcised cut one off from the "covenant" (Genesis 17:12), and was to be practiced "throughout your generations". This verse finds itself among many which testify to the fact that God's covenant with the Jewish nation has ceased and has been replaced by. covenant for all nations. (Colossians 2:14; Ephesians 2:14)

3. Even though we are no longer under the Law of Moses, "commandments" still exist which are essential for Christians to obey. (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; Hebrews 5:8)

4. Compare this verse with Galatians 5:6 'For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.' The expression "faith working through love", is exactly the same as "keeping the commandments of God". Therefore, the "faith" that saves is an obedient faith. "Faith that works", is. "faith that obeys God's word". Hence, my faith isn't working until. obey what God has said.

'For Christians, national distinctions are of no great importance, but obedience to God is everything.' (Erdman p. 81)

5. At other times Paul compares the unimportance of circumcision/uncircumcision with 'being. new creature.' (Galatians 6:15) Therefore the indication that one is truly becoming. new creature, is obedience to God's will.