John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 7:19

"Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God." — 1 Corinthians 7:19 (ASV)

Circumcision is nothing. While this analogy was suited to the subject at hand, it appears to have been deliberately used in order to incidentally reprove the superstition and arrogance of the Jews. For, as the Jews gloried in circumcision, it was possible that many might feel dissatisfied with the lack of it, as if their condition were worse on that account.

Paul, therefore, places both conditions on the same level, so that, through hatred of the one, the other would not be foolishly desired. These things, however, must be understood as referring to the time when circumcision was finally abolished; for, if he had been considering the covenant of God and His commandment, he would undoubtedly have valued it more highly.

In another passage, it is true, he treats lightly the letter of circumcision (Romans 2:27) and declares that it is of no importance in the sight of God; but here, as he simply contrasts circumcision with uncircumcision and equates them, it is certain that he speaks of it as a matter of indifference and of no importance.

For its abolition has this effect—that the mystery which had been previously conveyed through it no longer belongs to it. Furthermore, it is now no longer a sign, but a thing of no use. For baptism has come in the place of the symbol used under the law on the basis that it is enough that we are circumcised by the Spirit of Christ, while our old man is buried with Christ.

But the keeping of the commandments. Since this was one of the commandments as long as the Church was bound by legal ceremonies, we see it is taken for granted that circumcision had been abolished by the advent of Christ. Consequently, while its use was indeed allowed among the ignorant and weak, there was no advantage in it.

For Paul speaks of it here as a thing of no importance: “Since these are outward things, do not let them occupy your attention, but rather devote yourself to piety and the duties which God requires, and which alone are precious in His sight.”

Regarding the fact that Papists bring this passage forward to overthrow justification by faith, this is utterly childish. For Paul is not disputing here about the ground of justification, or how we obtain it, but simply about the object to which the aim of believers should be directed.

“Do not occupy yourselves fruitlessly in unprofitable things, but, on the contrary, exercise yourselves in duties that are pleasing to God.”