Circumcision

A physical sign of the covenant with Abraham — and a huge debate in the early church

lightbulbThe original covenant flex — God said 'I need you to commit, and I mean COMMIT'

Definition

God commanded Abraham to circumcise every male as a sign of covenant membership (Genesis 17). When Gentiles started following Jesus, the question exploded: do they need circumcision too? The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) said no. Paul argued passionately that what matters is 'circumcision of the heart' — inward transformation, not outward ritual (Romans 2:29, Galatians 5:6).

Used In18 mentions across 10 books

acts

Called to the Principal's Office

Acts 11:1-3

The circumcision party represents the faction insisting that Gentile converts must fully enter Jewish covenant practice — they're the ones confronting Peter, and their objection is cultural and identity-based, not merely ritual.

The Verdict Nobody Expected

Acts 15:19-22

Circumcision is explicitly ruled out as a requirement for Gentile salvation — the council's decision to not impose it marks a watershed moment in the church's self-understanding and universal reach.

deuteronomy

Stop Being Stubborn

Deuteronomy 10:16-17

Circumcision is invoked here metaphorically — Moses calls Israel to an inward cutting away of stubbornness that mirrors the outward covenant sign, making the external mark an internal reality.

exodus

A Bridegroom of Blood

Exodus 4:24-26

Circumcision is the neglected covenant rite at the center of this crisis — Moses had failed to circumcise his son, and Zipporah's emergency act of circumcision is what saves Moses' life.