Archelaus

“ For it is written: “Is any man circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Or is any in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. For neither of these is anything, but only the keeping of the commandments of God.” [27] Consequently, as circumcision is incompetent to save any, it is not greatly to be required, especially when we see that if a man has been called in uncircumcision, and wishes then to be circumcised, he is made forthwith a transgressor [28] of the law. For if I am circumcised, I also fulfil the commandments of the law with the view of being in a position to be saved ”

“ And again, He did not actually reject circumcision; but we should rather say that He received in Himself and in our stead the cause of circumcision, [18] relieving us by what He Himself endured, and not permitting us to have to suffer any pain to no purpose. [19] For what, indeed, can it profit a man to circumcise himself, if nevertheless he cherishes the worst of thoughts against his neighbour? ”

“ For far above any person of that type of character is to be placed the man who, although clad only in squalid and threadbare attire, keeps no evil hidden in his heart against his neighbour. For it is only the circumcision of the heart that brings salvation; and that merely carnal circumcision can be of no advantage to men, unless they happen also to be fortified with the spiritual circumcision. ”