Galatians 5:2 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Behold,— This word is used to fix their attention. I, Paul;—"I, the same Paul, who am reported to preach circumcision,—testify again, (Galatians 5:3.)—continue my testimony, to every man; to you, and all men." This very emphatical way of speaking may well be understood to have regard to what he takes notice of Galatians 5:11 namely, his preaching circumcision; and is a very significant vindication of himself.If ye be circumcised, means, "If ye submit to circumcision, and depend on that, and the observance of the rest of the Jewish rites, for justification and salvation." It must have beenallowedthateitherJudaismorChristianitywasnecessaryto salvation. If Judaism had been necessary, Christianity could not be so; and (vice versa,) it is the same, if the argument be reversed. It was plain, therefore, that if the observance of circumcision, and other Jewish rites, was obligatory, all that Christ had done and suffered would have been of no advantage to them; for if the soul could not repose its confidence in him for salvation, its divided regards would be rather an affront than an act of homage.