StriperAddict
Senior Member
Beware of the Dogs
Philippians 3:2 (KJV) says, "Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision."
Paul is being polemical in strongly condemning the teaching of the Judaizers. These people were coming into Gentile churches and teaching that various works, such as circumcision and the keeping of other Jewish laws were required for salvation.
The Jews referred to Gentiles as dogs. Paul is turning that around on them. He is calling those who wanted to mix the Old Testament Law with New Covenant Grace dogs. They are as bad as pagan Gentiles. He calls them evil workers and mutilators. The word "concision" means mutilators.
In Galatians 1:6-9 he condemns them very harshly. He says they should be accursed. The Greek word is “anathema.” They are mutilators because the activities to which they are calling people are destructive. They are evil workers because they add works to the grace of God and thus kill the faith of people who take their errant teaching to heart.
Like Paul, let me warn you not to take to heart any teaching that would give lip service to grace while subtly requiring certain behaviors to ensure your good standing with Abba.
Father loves you, and you are accepted in Jesus Christ. (see Ephesians 1:6)
Grace and peace to you.
--Larry Eiss
Philippians 3:2 (KJV) says, "Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision."
Paul is being polemical in strongly condemning the teaching of the Judaizers. These people were coming into Gentile churches and teaching that various works, such as circumcision and the keeping of other Jewish laws were required for salvation.
The Jews referred to Gentiles as dogs. Paul is turning that around on them. He is calling those who wanted to mix the Old Testament Law with New Covenant Grace dogs. They are as bad as pagan Gentiles. He calls them evil workers and mutilators. The word "concision" means mutilators.
In Galatians 1:6-9 he condemns them very harshly. He says they should be accursed. The Greek word is “anathema.” They are mutilators because the activities to which they are calling people are destructive. They are evil workers because they add works to the grace of God and thus kill the faith of people who take their errant teaching to heart.
Like Paul, let me warn you not to take to heart any teaching that would give lip service to grace while subtly requiring certain behaviors to ensure your good standing with Abba.
Father loves you, and you are accepted in Jesus Christ. (see Ephesians 1:6)
Grace and peace to you.
--Larry Eiss
