Should Gentiles be Circumcised?

This article is addressing the specific idea of Gentiles practicing Messianic Judaism, and whether those Gentiles should be circumcised. We’ll take a look at some of the biblical guidance provided by the early apostolic leaders.

1. Biblical Teaching on Circumcision for Gentiles

In the New Testament, the apostles addressed this very question when Gentiles began coming to faith in Yeshua (Jesus). Some Jewish believers argued that Gentiles should undergo circumcision and fully adopt Jewish law in order to be part of the faith (which was deemed conversion to Judaism at that time). However, the apostles, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, ruled that circumcision and conversion was not required for Gentiles.

• Acts 15:1-29 – The Jerusalem Council: The early church leaders, including Peter and Paul, met in Jerusalem to determine whether Gentile believers needed to follow the Mosaic Law, including circumcision. They concluded that Gentiles did not need to be circumcised but should abstain from idolatry, sexual immorality, and consuming blood (Acts 15:19-20).
• Galatians 5:2-6: Paul strongly warns Gentile believers against seeking circumcision as a requirement for salvation, stating, “If you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you.” He emphasizes that salvation is through faith in Messiah, not through physical circumcision.
• 1 Corinthians 7:18-19: Paul writes, “Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.”

2. The Spiritual Circumcision in Messiah

In the New Covenant, circumcision is viewed more importantly as a spiritual transformation of the heart, not simply a physical act. Even for Jews, the circumcision of the heart was more important than that done on the physical body.

• Romans 2:28-29: “A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code.”
• Colossians 2:11: “In Him [Messiah], you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ.”

3. Should a Gentile Ever Get Circumcised?

Since circumcision is not a requirement for Gentiles in Messiah, there is no biblical obligation for a Gentile practicing Messianic Judaism to be circumcised. However, there may be personal or cultural reasons why someone might choose to undergo the procedure, such as:

• If a Gentile feels personally called to undergo circumcision as a sign of deeper identification with the Jewish people.
• If a Gentile is formally converting to Judaism (which is different from simply practicing Messianic Judaism), which is only done in rare cases in the Messianic Jewish world.

Even in these cases, circumcision should never be seen as a requirement for salvation or spiritual status.

Conclusion

A Gentile practicing Messianic Judaism does not need to be circumcised. The New Testament makes it clear that faith in Yeshua, not physical circumcision, is what brings someone into covenant with God. Gentiles are welcomed into the faith just as they are, and their relationship with God is based on the circumcision of the heart, not of the flesh.