I have been studying Galatians came across one of the most interesting passages in the Bible:
“You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view than mine, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!” (Galatians 5:7–12 ESV)
This is Paul at his most passionate. He is so upset with the false teachers and so concerned about the Galatians that he hopes those who are so eager to circumcise would go ahead and castrate themselves. Why would Paul say something so drastic (and disturbing)? It is not that Paul was filled with hate. He did not go around and hope for the castration of everyone who disagreed with him. But when false teachers were preaching another gospel that was putting his people in spiritual danger, Paul was livid.
How zealous are we? I am not suggesting we set up a heresy police and shun everyone who has the slightest theological interpretation from us. But I am suggesting that we should care about the Christians around us, especially those immature in their faith. We should care when they are being distracted by false teaching. And we should care about the truth. Perhaps castration is not the answer but the preaching of the true Gospel certainly is.
