27 Bible Verses about Circumcision, spiritual

For not he who is outwardly such, is the Jew; neither is that which is outward in the flesh, circumcision. But he is a Jew who is such inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, in spirit, not in letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.

For circumcision indeed is advantageous, if thou practise the law: but if thou art a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision becomes uncircumcision, If then the uncircumcision observe the righteous judgments of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be accounted for circumcision? And the uncircumcision by nature which fulfilleth the law shall condemn thee, who through the letter and circumcision art a transgressor of the law.

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

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith exerting its energy by love.

since it is one God who will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith.

as Abraham believed in God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness.

This blessedness then, [is it] for the circumcision, or for the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was imputed to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it imputed to him? when circumcised, or while uncircumcised? Not when circumcised, but whilst uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed:read more.
and the father of circumcision, not to those who are of the circumcision merely, but who also tread in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham, which he exercised while uncircumcised.

WHAT then is the superiority of the Jew? or what is the advantage of circumcision? Much in every view: the principal one indeed is, that the oracles of God were entrusted to them.

AND certain persons coming down from Judea taught the brethren, That if ye are not circumcised according to the ordinances of Moses, ye cannot be saved. There being therefore no small contention and dispute maintained by Paul and Barnabas against them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of their body, should go up to the apostles and presbyters at Jerusalem, for the decision of this question. They therefore being sent on their way by the church, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, giving a particular narrative of the conversion of the Gentiles: and they gave great joy to all the brethren.read more.
Then when they arrived at Jerusalem, they were cordially received by the church, and the apostles and presbyters, and they related how great things God had done by them. But up rose some of the pharisaical sect, who professed the faith, insisting, That it was necessary to circumcise them, and to enjoin them to observe the law of Moses. Then the apostles and presbyters were assembled to consider of this matter. When after much dispute, Peter arose, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know that a considerable time ago God chose among us, by my mouth, that the Gentiles should hear the gospel-word, and believe. And God, who is the discerner of the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as to us; and made no difference betwixt either us or them, purifying their hearts by faith. Why then now tempt ye God, by imposing a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the same way as they. Then the whole multitude kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, relating how great signs and miracles God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. Now when they ceased speaking, James replied, saying, Men and brethren, hear me: Simon hath fully related, how at first God graciously looked upon [the Gentiles], to take from them a people for his name. And in accord with this are the words of the prophets; as it is written, "After this will I return, and build again the tabernacle of David, that is fallen; and re-edify what hath been dug up from the foundation, and will set it upright again: that the residue of men may diligently seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles, among whom my name is invoked, even among them, saith the Lord, who doth all these things." Known unto God from the beginning are all his works. Therefore I am decided, that we give no unnecessary disquietude to those who from the heathen have turned to God:

NOW the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. And when Peter went up to Jerusalem, they of the circumcision disputed with him, saying, Thou hast gone in to men holding uncircumcision, and hast eaten with them.

While Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all who heard the discourse. And they of the circumcision who were believers, as many as came with Peter, were amazed, because even on the Gentiles the gift of the holy Ghost was poured out. For they heard them speaking in different languages, and magnifying God. Then Peter addressed them,

Then Peter opening his mouth, said, In truth I perceive that God is not a respecter of persons:

But when Peter came to Antioch I withstood him to his face, because he was blameable. For before certain persons came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles, but when they were come, he withdrew, and separated himself, fearing those of the circumcision. And the other Jews were guilty of the same dissimulation with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy.read more.
But when I saw that they walked not directly according to the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest as the Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to judaize? We who are Jews by descent, and not sinners sprung from Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law; because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

STAND fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made you free, and be not again held under a yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul declare to you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ will be of no advantage to you. And again, I testify to every man who is circumcised, that he is under an obligation to keep the whole law.read more.
Ye have vacated all expectations from Christ, as many of you as are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we in spirit by faith expect the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith exerting its energy by love.

And even Titus, who was with me, though a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised: but this I did because of false brethren artfully introduced, who came to pry into our liberty which we hold in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: to whom not even for an hour have we yielded subjection, that the truth of the gospel might abide with you.

that unto the Gentiles the benediction pronounced on Abraham might come by Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.

Ye were running well: who hath hindered you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not from him who called you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole mass.read more.
I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be no otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear condign punishment whosoever he be. But I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? then indeed the offence of the cross is at an end. I wish that they who trouble you were cut off from you.

As many as wish to make a fair appearance in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For even they who are themselves circumcised do not keep the law, but desire you to be circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

Beware of dogs, beware of the malicious labourers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, who serve God in spirit, and glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh.

For there are many disorderly persons vainly talkative, and under a spirit of delusion, especially some of the circumcised; whose mouths ought to be muzzled, who pervert whole families, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of base gain.

in whom also ye have been circumcised with the circumcision not made with hands, by the putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, through the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, in which also ye have been raised up together with him by faith, the energy of God, who raised him from the dead.

Where there is no difference whether a man be Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian or Scythian, slave or freeman: but Christ is all and in all.

Though I too might have confidence in the flesh; if any other man thinks that he may have confidence in the flesh, I may claim more: circumcised the eighth day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; respecting the law, a Pharisee; with regard to zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is by the law, blameless.read more.
But what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the transcendently excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but as offals of ordure, that I may gain Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is by the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

in whom also ye have been circumcised with the circumcision not made with hands, by the putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, through the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, in which also ye have been raised up together with him by faith, the energy of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened with him, freely forgiving you all trespasses;

And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed:

Now he that confirmeth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; who also hath put his seal upon us, and given us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

In whom ye also [trusted] after ye had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, ye have been sealed with the holy Spirit of promise,