Circumcision Made Without Hands in Colossians 2
Colossians 2:11 states, "In whom also yee are circumcised with circumcision made without handes, by putting off the sinfull body of the flesh, through the circumcision of Christ" (Geneva 1599) [1]. This verse addresses the Colossian believers, many of whom were Gentiles, and explains that they have undergone a spiritual circumcision that supersedes the physical rite [7].
The apostle Paul is here countering the teachings of Judaizers who insisted on the necessity of outward circumcision for Christian perfection [2, 3]. John Gill notes that Jewish tradition held that Abraham was not considered perfect until he was circumcised, implying that perfection could not be achieved without it [3]. Paul argues that believers in Christ have already received a spiritual reality of circumcision, rendering the physical rite unnecessary [2]. This "circumcision made without hands" is contrasted with "the circumcision in the flesh made by hands" mentioned in Ephesians 2:11 [2, 6].
This spiritual circumcision signifies the "putting off the sinfull body of the flesh" [1]. John Calvin interprets this as a metaphorical circumcision, referring to the obstinacy of the human heart and a nature defiled by corrupt affections, which is removed in Christ [5]. Augustine of Hippo also connects this spiritual circumcision with the remission of sins and being made complete in Christ [4]. The concept of a spiritual, inward circumcision is also found in Romans 2:28-29 and Philippians 3:3 [2].
The phrase "circumcision made without hands" also echoes other biblical passages, such as Mark 14:58 and Hebrews 9:11, which speak of Christ's body as "not made with hands," and Daniel 2:45, referring to a stone "cut out by no human hand" [2]. This emphasizes the divine, non-human origin and efficacy of this spiritual transformation. Paul's argument assures the Colossian Gentiles that their lack of physical circumcision does not diminish their standing or completeness in Christ [3, 4].
Sources
- Colossians “Colossians 2:11 (Geneva1599) — In whome also yee are circumcised with circumcision made without handes, by putting off the sinfull body of the flesh, through the circumcision of Christ,”
- Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 2:11: Implying that they did not need, as the Judaizers taught, the outward rite of circumcision, since they had already the inward spiritual reality of it. are--rather, as the Greek, "Ye were (once for all) circumcised (spiritually, at your conversion and baptism, Rom 2:28-29; Phi 3:3) with a (so the Greek) circumcision made without hands"; opposed to "the circumcision in the flesh made by hands" (Eph 2:11). Christ's own body, by which the believer is sanctified, is said to be "not made with hands" (Mar 14:58; Heb 9:11; compare Dan 2:45). in putting”
- Colossians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Colossians 2:11: In whom also ye are circumcised,.... This is said to prevent an objection that might be made to the perfection of these Gentile believers, because they were not circumcised; for the Jews thought that perfection lay in circumcision, at least that there could be no perfection without it: "great is circumcision (say they (x)), for notwithstanding all the commands which Abraham our father did, he was not called perfect until he was circumcised; as it is written, Gen 17:1; "walk before me, and be thou perfect:" which objection the apostle anticipates, by observing,”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 5: Augustine — Anti-Pelagian — CHAP. 47.--FROM THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS.: To the Colossians he addresses these words: "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son; in whom we have redemption in the remission of our sins."[6] And again he says: "And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power: in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting of”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 33.2: it is said, Remember that, in time past, when ye were Gentiles, and called uncircumcision, by that circumcision which is made with hands in the flesh, ye were at that time without Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the promises. Taking it metaphorically, there would, indeed, be an allusion to natural uncircumcision, but at the same time Paul would here be speaking of the obstinacy of the human heart, in opposition to God, and of a nature that is defiled by corrupt affections. I rath”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 2:11: The Greek order in the oldest manuscripts is, "That in time past (literally, once) ye," &c. Such remembrance sharpens gratitude and strengthens faith (Eph 2:19) [BENGEL]. Gentiles in the flesh--that is, Gentiles in respect to circumcision. called Uncircumcision--The Gentiles were called (in contempt), and were, the Uncircumcision; the Jews were called, but were not truly, the Circumcision [ELLICOTT]. in the flesh made by hands--as opposed to the true "circumcision of the heart in the Spirit, and not the letter" (Rom 2:29), "made without the ha”
- Colossians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Colossians 2:13: And you, being dead in your sins - See the notes on Eph 2:1, etc. The uncircumcision of your flesh - This must refer to that part of the Colossian Church which was made up of converted heathens, for the heathens alone were uncircumcised.”