Apparently some of Paul s opponents accused him of just such inconsistency. This accusation of changing his Gospel to fit the audience is nonsense, he says. The only mark Paul has consistently called for is the mark of the Cross, never the mark of circumcision. If there is a consistency based on the truth, there is also a stubborn consistency based on false principles. So, Paul argues, the Judaizers are burdening the Gentiles with the demand for circumcision, which God had never intended.
Adult circumcision is no pleasant thing.
Let them try it on themselves, he suggests, thus bringing his argument to a witty conclusion. Now let me conclude. Let me urge you to recommit yourself to Christ this day. Now I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who receives circumcision that he is bound to keep the whole law.